Meta, having lost two trials related to child safety on its platforms this year, is now facing a pivotal trial set to begin on Tuesday. The jury selection for the federal trial, presided over by U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzales Rogers in Oakland, California, took place last week. Although an eight-person jury will give their decision, they are serving in an advisory capacity, with Judge Rogers having the final say.
The trial is anticipated to span at least six weeks, with the possibility of Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram head Adam Mosseri being summoned to testify. This trial holds significant importance for Meta.
The lawsuit, originating almost three years ago, was jointly filed in a federal court in California by multiple states, alleging that Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp, had been unlawfully gathering data on users under 13 without parental consent. The complaint, spanning 233 pages, accused Meta of deceptive practices in concealing the harm and addictiveness of its platforms to young users, while profiting from their attention through data collection and targeted advertising.
This trial involves four states initially: California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey, with the potential for additional trials by 25 other states. The outcome of this trial could influence Meta’s stance in potential future litigations. The states’ attorneys are seeking substantial damages and structural changes if they prevail.
Meta’s attempt to prevent a crucial witness, Arturo Béjar, from testifying in the upcoming trial was denied by Judge Rogers last week. Béjar, a former Facebook director, previously testified that the company was aware of the harm its platforms caused to teens. He criticized Meta’s safety features as inadequate and highlighted understaffing issues in addressing safety breaches.
The states have not disclosed the sought damages, while Meta has stated a potential liability of up to $1.4 trillion. Legal experts question the feasibility of such a massive penalty. Beyond monetary damages, the states are pushing for alterations to Meta’s platforms, including age restrictions and the elimination of infinite scroll.
Meta refutes the allegations, asserting its dedication to youth support. The company has introduced new safety measures since the lawsuit’s initiation, including private teen accounts on Instagram and enhanced parental controls. The trial will shed light on Meta’s efforts in ensuring user safety.
Meta has encountered legal challenges in various jurisdictions, facing penalties and mandates to enhance safety measures on its platforms. The company’s legal battles underscore the growing scrutiny surrounding social media’s impact on youth well-being.
