A federal lawsuit brought by 29 US states against Meta is underway in California, potentially marking a turning point for Facebook and Instagram. The case centers around the negative impacts of the social media platforms. If successful, the lawsuit could fundamentally alter how these platforms operate, and potentially influence the wider social media industry. The initial court proceedings have drawn significant media attention, signaling the importance of the case. The states argue Meta knowingly designed its platforms to be addictive, particularly for young users. The outcome of this trial could lead to significant changes in platform design and regulation, similar to past restrictions placed on the tobacco industry.