Meta trial begins as states accuse company of harming children online Four states are seeking billions of dollars in damages and structural changes to how Meta operates The Independent UK · Aug 19
Erin Patterson challenges convictions over mushroom lunch – as it happened This blog is now closed The Guardian - AU · Aug 19
Meta rejects allegations it sought to hook children as landmark trial begins Four lead states - California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey - accuse Meta of designing Facebook and Instagram to hook young users, fueling anxiety, depression and even suicide, and misleading consumers about the platforms' safety. The Economic Times · Aug 18
Social media on trial as $200bn case against Facebook and Instagram begins Twenty-nine US states are seeking huge damages, claiming Meta’s platforms were addictive by design The Guardian - UK · Aug 18
Meta is facing perhaps the biggest test in its history. But we might already know the result ANALYSIS: That this case is happening at all is an indication of just how much has already changed, writes Andrew Griffin The Independent UK · Aug 18
Everything you need to know about Meta's biggest legal battle yet A landmark trial in California could force Meta to overhaul Facebook and Instagram after four states accused the company of designing its platforms to hook young users and hiding what it knew about the harm. Euronews · Aug 18
Meta Claims 32 States' $1.4 Trillion Lawsuit Is Just an Attempt To 'Chase an Outlandish Payout' Meta faces a $1.4 trillion legal threat as 32 US states accuse the social media giant of designing Facebook and Instagram to hook teenagers and ignoring the fallout. International Business Times UK · Aug 18
I read all 233 pages of Meta’s $1.4 trillion lawsuit — here’s why Facebook and Instagram may never be the same I read all 233 pages of Meta’s $1.4 trillion youth addiction lawsuit. From ending the like button to killing infinite scroll, here is what could change. Tom’s Guide · Aug 18
First Thing: Meta’s treatment of children on social media in spotlight as landmark trial set to begin Multiple US states have accused Instagram and Facebook’s parent company of deliberately causing young people harm with its products The Guardian - UK · Aug 18
Singapore tightens anti-scam rules on social media, messaging platforms Singapore, the region's second-largest economy, lost over $2.8 billion to scams from 2020 through the first half of 2025, Home Affairs Minister Sim Ann told parliament last November. The new rules under the Online Criminal Harms Act target services deemed to "pose the highest risk of scams" in the country,… The Economic Times · Aug 18
29 states in US want Meta to change how Facebook and Instagram operate and give $1.4 trillion penalty; the case now threatens Mark Zuckerberg's AI plan A groundbreaking federal trial has begun against Meta Platforms, with 29 US states alleging that the company intentionally designed its social media applications to foster compulsive usage among youth. The outcome of this case may influence Meta's approach to artificial intelligence and data utilization. The trial examines accusations that Meta… The Economic Times · Aug 18
Microdramas boom in a shrinking Hollywood as studios chase a TikTok audience Microdramas are reshaping the Hollywood landscape by delivering concise, captivating episodes that resonate with audiences. This innovative format is not only driving substantial revenue but also providing a wealth of job opportunities for creative talents. With the rise of Chinese-backed apps capturing millions of viewers, major entertainment firms have begun… The Economic Times · Aug 18
50 Times People Tried To Sell Something Completely Unhinged On Facebook Marketplace (New Pics) If someone 20 years ago told you that you would be able to buy anything with just a few clicks of a button, you’d be looking at them like they were insane. But this is the reality in 2026, where you can find some of the most unhinged things and… Bored Panda · Aug 18
The Economic Times · Aug 18 SC issues notice to Centre on PIL for restraining police from revealing identity of accused online The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre and states. Social media platforms Meta and X were also issued notices regarding the PIL. The petition seeks to prevent police from posting dehumanizing content of accused individuals. It also asks for guidelines to regulate police social media usage. The court…
Fortune · Aug 18 A dropout living in a trailer, he got $1 million from Peter Thiel at 19—now he's a billionaire who says the American Dream isn't dead Billionaire Palmer Luckey sold Oculus to Facebook for $2 billion by 21 years old—and says that kind of break “isn’t happening in China.”
The Guardian - AU · Aug 18 Mushroom murderer Erin Patterson was convicted over three deaths. Now she’ll argue the court got it wrong An Australian court will consider two appeals from Wednesday: whether Patterson’s convictions should be quashed, and if she should remain in prison for life without parole
The Economic Times · Aug 18 Major Meta trial begins as lawyers spar over witnesses, damages Facebook-parent Meta will defend itself in a landmark social media trial that begins Tuesday in California, where attorneys have sparred over witnesses and financial penalties. Dozens of US states sued four major tobacco companies for downplaying the harmful health impacts of their products, and won a 1998 landmark settlement that…
The Economic Times · Aug 18 A look at major lawsuits against Meta, other social media companies over harms to kids In a federal trial beginning Tuesday in Oakland, California, the Instagram and Facebook parent company is fighting claims that it has contributed to the youth mental health crisis by deliberately designing features that get children addicted.
The Independent UK · Aug 18 A physics graduate, a soccer player, a teen who couldn't swim: They died in the Ceuta migrant surge In a tragic attempt to reach Europe, dozens of Moroccans died trying to cross into Spain
The Economic Times · Aug 18 Sunshine Pictures IPO opens for subscription: Check GMP, price band and other key details The Sunshine Pictures IPO opens for subscription on August 18, 2026, with the Rs 282.14 crore issue set to remain open until August 20. The IPO is commanding a grey-market premium of around 20%, indicating strong investor interest ahead of its proposed listing on August 25.
TechRadar · Aug 17 Meta might be on the hook for $1.4 trillion if it loses a landmark lawsuit and that would truly mark the end of social media as we know it Meta and Mark Zuckerberg are about to face their toughest trial yet. How the huge State AG's lawsuit could force Meta to make some difficult decisions.
Bored Panda · Aug 17 “Make Me Look Fancy”: Woman Sparks Fury After Vandalizing WWII Memorial Live, But Karma Gets Her In The End "Do the crime, pay the time," a netizen said.
Fortune · Aug 17 Billionaire Gen Zer dropped out of high school to launch his start-up at 17—now he’s the richest self-made 25-year-old in the U.K and all of Europe James Dacombe, the 25-year-old behind AI chipmaker Olix and brain monitoring startup CoMind, says being young and “naive” was a career advantage.
The Guardian - US · Aug 17 New Mexico’s attorney general pushes new social media safety laws after $900m court victory over Meta Exclusive: Raúl Torrez is drafting two bills with state lawmakers to bolster consumer protections and child safety online, building on state’s landmark case against Meta