Meta, after losing two court cases related to child safety this year, is now confronted with a potentially significant trial starting on Tuesday. The federal trial, overseen by U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzales Rogers in Oakland, California, began with jury selection last week. Although an eight-person jury will provide a decision, they will serve in an advisory capacity, with Judge Rogers having the final say.
Anticipated to span at least six weeks, the trial may involve testimonies from Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram. The lawsuit, stemming from nearly three years ago, was initiated by numerous U.S. states accusing Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp, of breaching federal laws by gathering data from underaged users without parental consent.
The complaint, totaling 233 pages, alleges that Meta engaged in misleading tactics to obscure the detrimental and addictive nature of its platforms for young users, profiting from their attention through data collection and targeted advertising. The trial’s initial focus is on four states: California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey, with others potentially following suit later.
Meta faces the possibility of extraordinary financial penalties, with the company estimating damages could reach up to $1.4 trillion. However, legal experts view this figure as excessive and impractical, as it could bankrupt Meta and lead to severe consequences for the company. In addition to monetary damages, the state attorneys general are seeking court orders to enforce changes on Meta’s platforms, including age restrictions and the elimination of infinite scrolling.
Meta has refuted the accusations, asserting its dedication to safeguarding young individuals and highlighting recent safety initiatives introduced post-lawsuit filing. These measures include the introduction of private teen accounts on Instagram, equipped with enhanced security features and parental controls. The company also employs artificial intelligence to identify underage users and prevent access to adult content.
The legal battles facing Meta extend beyond the current trial, with ongoing litigations in various states and countries over alleged harms inflicted on young users. Despite its efforts to improve safety measures and refute claims of platform addiction, Meta’s future remains uncertain amidst mounting legal challenges and potential financial repercussions.