The U.S. Supreme Court rejected a request by Meta Platforms on Tuesday to block a lawsuit from Vermont’s attorney general. The state alleges the company knowingly designed Instagram with features to make the platform addictive for teenagers.
By declining the appeal, the Supreme Court lets a lower court’s ruling stand. This allows the consumer protection case to move forward in Vermont courts.
Meta argued the case should be dismissed because Vermont lacks jurisdiction over design decisions made outside the state. The refusal to intervene exposes Meta and other social media giants to further legal challenges from other states. This development amplifies regulatory and financial risks across the interactive media segment of the communication services sector.