Meta is gearing up for a crucial trial following two recent losses in child safety cases. The trial, set to commence on Tuesday in Oakland, California, involves a federal lawsuit overseen by U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzales Rogers. While an eight-person jury will provide input, the final decision rests with Judge Rogers alone.
The trial is anticipated to span at least six weeks, potentially featuring testimonies from Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram head Adam Mosseri. The legal battle traces back to nearly three years ago when numerous states jointly filed a lawsuit in California, accusing Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp, of unlawfully gathering data from users under 13 without parental consent.
The lawsuit, detailed in a 233-page complaint, alleges that Meta engaged in deceptive practices to mask the addictive and harmful nature of its platforms for young users, all while profiting from data collection and targeted advertising. The trial’s initial phase includes California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey, with more states potentially facing similar legal actions.
While the states have not disclosed specific monetary damages sought, Meta has warned of potential financial liabilities reaching up to $1.4 trillion. However, legal experts consider this figure unrealistic, highlighting the severe financial implications such a penalty would have on Meta. In addition to financial repercussions, the state attorneys are pushing for structural changes to Meta’s platforms, including age restrictions and eliminating certain features.
Meta denies the allegations, emphasizing its dedication to youth safety and pointing to recent safety enhancements implemented post-lawsuit. The tech giant faces a challenging legal landscape, having recently incurred significant legal expenses and penalties in prior cases related to child safety issues. The company’s commitment to supporting young users is a focal point of its defense amid ongoing legal battles in multiple jurisdictions.