Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have publicly supported a federal trial examining allegations that Meta’s platforms put children at risk.
In a statement released by their office, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex backed a bipartisan coalition of 29 states suing the parent company of Facebook and Instagram over alleged privacy violations and potentially harmful design features.
The couple said the case could mark an important moment in efforts to hold social media companies accountable for their impact on young people.
“This trial confirms what families and experts have been saying for years: Meta’s harms were a financial choice, not an innovation accident,” the statement claimed.
The Sussexes highlighted allegations made by the state attorneys general leading the case, including claims that Meta’s business practices exploited young users’ data and attention. They said the accusations were supported by the company’s internal research and testimony from former employees.
Their statement also referred to whistleblower Arturo Bejar, a father and former Meta employee who has previously spoken about the company’s approach to child safety. It further cited internal documents that allegedly showed Meta pursuing features designed to keep users engaged.
Harry and Meghan praised the families and campaigners who gathered outside the courthouse, including members of The Parents’ Network, an initiative launched through the couple’s Archewell Foundation to support parents affected by online harm.
“The reckoning many families have waited years for has finally reached the federal courtroom,” the couple said.
“We stand with them as we wait to see what this trial will mean for children across the country and the world.”
The claims against Meta remain subject to the federal court proceedings.
