Meta is gearing up for a significant trial starting Tuesday, following two previous legal defeats this year over child safety issues on its platforms. The federal trial, overseen by U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzales Rogers in Oakland, California, saw jury selection last week. Although an eight-person jury will give their opinion, Judge Rogers will ultimately make the final decision.
The trial is anticipated to span six weeks or more, potentially involving testimonies from Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram head Adam Mosseri. The lawsuit dates back nearly three years when multiple states, representing both political parties, jointly filed a lawsuit in California federal court. The legal action accused Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp, of unlawfully gathering data on users under 13 without parental consent.
The complaint, spanning 233 pages, alleged that Meta engaged in misleading practices to hide the harmful and addictive nature of its platforms for young users, while profiting from targeted advertising and data collection. The trial initially involves four states: California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey, with the potential for other states to follow suit. The outcome of this trial could influence Meta’s approach to future litigation with other states.
Meta faces the possibility of significant financial penalties, with the company suggesting it could face up to $1.4 trillion in damages. However, legal experts deem this amount unrealistic, considering Meta’s financial capacity. Apart from financial repercussions, the state attorneys general are requesting changes to Meta’s platforms, such as implementing age restrictions and eliminating certain features like infinite scroll.
Meta refutes the allegations, emphasizing its dedication to supporting young users and highlighting new safety measures introduced post-lawsuit filing. The company has faced legal challenges previously, including a recent case in New Mexico where it was ordered to pay substantial penalties for platform-related harms to young individuals. Additionally, Meta is embroiled in legal battles in various states and countries over similar concerns regarding the impact of its platforms on youth.
