BOSTON – In a pivotal hearing on Friday, the top court in Massachusetts evaluated the state’s legal action against Meta, accusing the tech giant of intentionally designing Facebook and Instagram features to captivate young users.

The lawsuit, initiated in 2024 by Attorney General Andrea Campbell, contends that Meta’s strategies were driven by profit motives, impacting numerous teenagers across Massachusetts who frequent these social media platforms.

State Solicitor David Kravitz emphasized, “Our claims focus exclusively on the tools Meta has crafted, as their own research indicates these tools foster platform addiction in various ways.” He clarified that the state’s argument does not involve accusations about Meta’s algorithms or content moderation shortcomings.

Meta, however, firmly refuted the accusations on Friday. “We are confident the evidence will affirm our long-standing dedication to supporting young people,” stated Meta’s attorney, Mark Mosier. He argued that the lawsuit could unjustly penalize Meta for undertaking typical publishing roles, asserting that such actions are safeguarded by the First Amendment.

Mosier elaborated, “The Commonwealth would have a stronger case against the First Amendment if they claimed the speech was false or deceptive. Yet, acknowledging the truthfulness places it squarely within First Amendment protections.”

Meta is facing federal and state lawsuits claiming it knowingly designed features — such as constant notifications and the ability to scroll endlessly — that addict children.

In 2023, 33 states filed a joint lawsuit against the Menlo Park, California-based tech giant claiming that Meta routinely collects data on children under 13 without their parents’ consent, in violation of federal law. In addition, states including Massachusetts filed their own lawsuits in state courts over addictive features and other harms to children.

Critics say Meta hasn’t done enough to address concerns about teen safety and mental health on its platforms. A report from former employee and whistleblower Arturo Bejar and four nonprofit groups this year said Meta has chosen not to take “real steps” to address safety concerns, “opting instead for splashy headlines about new tools for parents and Instagram Teen Accounts for underage users.”

Meta said the report misrepresented its efforts on teen safety.

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Associated Press reporter Barbara Ortutay in Oakland, California, contributed to this report.