Meta is gearing up for a significant trial starting this week, following two earlier losses on child safety issues. The trial, presided over by U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzales Rogers in Oakland, California, kicked off with jury selection last week. Although the eight-person jury will provide input, the final decision rests with Judge Rogers alone.
Anticipated to span at least six weeks, the trial may see Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram head Adam Mosseri called as witnesses. The legal battle traces back to a lawsuit filed by numerous states, alleging Meta’s violation of federal law by collecting data on users under 13 without parental consent. The complaint further accuses Meta of concealing the harmful and addictive nature of its platforms from young users while leveraging their attention for profit through data harvesting and targeted ads.
The initial trial involves four states including California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey. Depending on the outcome, Meta might face further litigation from 25 additional states. The state attorneys are seeking substantial damages and structural remedies, aiming to set a precedent in the case. The court could potentially impose financial penalties, with Meta warning of potential damages up to $1.4 trillion, a figure some legal experts deem unrealistic.
Despite the allegations, Meta asserts its dedication to supporting young users. The company has implemented new safety measures, such as introducing private teen accounts on Instagram and utilizing AI to detect underage users. The legal landscape for Meta has been challenging, with recent cases resulting in hefty financial penalties and mandated safety measures.
Moreover, Meta is embroiled in ongoing legal battles in various jurisdictions, facing accusations of intentionally designing platforms to be addictive and disregarding potential harm to young users. The company also confronts legal challenges in Canada related to harms caused to young users.