Trial against Meta underway in Northern California

OAKLAND, Calif. (CBS, KYMA) - A landmark trial against tech giant Meta got underway in Northern California Tuesday.

Nearly 30 states, including Arizona and California, are suing the company, claiming its social media platforms are designed to hook kids, harming their mental and physical health, which the company denies.

The states, who are seeking billions of dollars in damages, want Meta to remove certain features they say are addictive for people under 18, like infinite scroll and filters that distort body images.

Parents and youth advocates gathered outside court in Oakland.

Mary Rodee said her 15-year-old son Riley took his own life after a five-hour Facebook messenger encounter with a man posing as a young woman.

"Meta and others have built empires on exploitation and they hide behind outdated laws while families like mine live with the heart-wrenching consequences," Rodee expressed.

In a statement, Meta told CBS News the states' "limited claims are unsubstantiated, and we stand by our record of creating strong protections for teens."

The case is set to last up to eight weeks, with testimony expected from Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, other executives and former employees.

Following the first day of the trial, California Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with the attorneys general of Colorado and New Jersey, held a press conference.

To watch the livestream of the press conference, see attached video.