Meta, which has faced legal challenges regarding child safety on its platforms this year, is set to begin a significant trial on Tuesday. Jury selection occurred last week in Oakland, California, for the federal trial overseen by U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzales Rogers. Although an eight-person jury will provide input, Judge Rogers will make the final decision.
The trial, estimated to span six weeks, may involve testimonies from Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram head Adam Mosseri. The lawsuit, initiated by several states nearly three years ago, alleged that Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp, violated federal law by gathering data on users under 13 without parental consent. The complaint further claimed that Meta masked the harmful and addictive nature of its platforms for young users while profiting from data collection and targeted advertising.
The trial’s initial phase includes California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey, with the possibility of other states pursuing separate trials later. The outcome of this trial could influence Meta’s approach towards potential future litigations. Eric Goldman, a law professor, highlighted the comprehensive nature of the case and the states’ pursuit of substantial damages and structural changes if successful.
Meta faces potential financial penalties up to $1.4 trillion in court, a figure disputed by legal experts as unrealistic given Meta’s financial capacity. Besides monetary damages, the state attorneys general seek court orders for Meta to implement platform changes, including age restrictions and the removal of features like infinite scroll.
In its defense, Meta denies the allegations and asserts its dedication to supporting young users through enhanced safety measures. The company has introduced new safety features, such as private teen accounts on Instagram and AI tools to verify user ages.
Recent legal battles have impacted Meta’s financial standing, with significant legal expenses contributing to a profit decline. Past cases have resulted in substantial penalties, including a recent order to pay $567 million in damages related to child safety issues. Meta’s legal challenges extend beyond the current trial, with ongoing litigations in various states and countries over alleged harms to young users.