Instagram and Facebook may undergo radical changes if a high-profile lawsuit against Meta is successful. The US states are seeking $1 trillion in damages and demanding fundamental alterations to the platforms’ features.

The trial stems from allegations that Meta has violated federal and state privacy laws for children, using 'dopamine-manipulating' algorithms and filters to keep young users engaged. Legal moves against Meta have already seen like counts removed on Instagram in New Mexico, with further changes likely if the states succeed.

Key demands include parental verification for teenage accounts, banning autoplay videos, ending 'ephemeral' posts, and restricting notifications during certain hours. These features are central to user experience but could be curtailed, affecting how young people interact online.

The stakes are high, with the states representing nearly two-thirds of the US population. If Meta is forced to make these changes, it would mark a significant shift in social media design and use, potentially altering the way billions of users engage on the platforms.