Meta is gearing up for a significant trial starting Tuesday, following two prior legal defeats this year on child safety issues. The trial, presided over by U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzales Rogers in Oakland, California, involves jury selection that took place last week. While an eight-person jury will offer a decision, their role is merely advisory, with the final verdict resting with Judge Rogers.
The trial, expected to span at least six weeks, might see Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram head Adam Mosseri called to testify. Originating nearly three years ago, the lawsuit was jointly filed by several states alleging that Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp, violated federal law by unlawfully collecting data on users under 13 without parental consent.
The complaint, spanning 233 pages, accuses Meta of concealing the harmful and addictive nature of its platforms for young users while profiting from data collection and targeted advertising. The trial’s first phase involves four states: California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey, with the possibility of additional trials involving 25 more states. Meta’s defense against the allegations includes recent safety measures and the introduction of teen accounts on Instagram with enhanced privacy and content controls.
The states have not specified monetary damages sought, while Meta mentioned the potential of facing up to $1.4 trillion in financial penalties during the trial. Legal experts consider this figure unrealistic, noting that such an amount could bankrupt Meta. Apart from financial consequences, the state attorneys general are seeking court orders for Meta to implement changes on its platforms, such as age restrictions and eliminating infinite scrolling.
Meta’s legal battles extend beyond this trial, including recent losses in New Mexico and Los Angeles courts, where the company faced significant financial penalties. The company continues to defend itself in multiple jurisdictions, emphasizing its commitment to youth safety and well-being.