Meta, having lost two trials on child safety this year, is now facing a significant trial beginning Tuesday. The federal trial, presided over by U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzales Rogers in Oakland, Calif., had jury selection last week. Although an eight-person jury will provide a decision, they serve as an advisory jury, with the final decision resting with Judge Rogers alone. Expected to span at least six weeks, the trial might see Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram head Adam Mosseri called to testify.
The lawsuit, originating almost three years ago with numerous states filing jointly in a federal court in California, alleges that Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp, violated federal law by capturing data from users under 13 without parental consent. The complaint, spanning 233 pages, claims that Meta employed deceptive practices to hide the harmful and addictive nature of its platforms for young users, while profiting from their attention through data collection and targeted advertising.
The trial’s initial plaintiffs include California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey, with the possibility of more states having subsequent trials. The outcome of this trial could influence Meta’s decisions on further litigation. Eric Goldman, from Santa Clara Law School, emphasized the states’ pursuit of substantial damages and structural changes if successful in this case.
Meta faces a potentially staggering financial penalty, with the company mentioning a potential $1.4 trillion US in damages. However, legal experts suggest this sum is unrealistic and could lead to severe consequences for Meta. Apart from financial penalties, the states are seeking court orders to modify Meta’s platforms by imposing age restrictions and eliminating certain features like infinite scroll.
Meta refutes the accusations, asserting its dedication to supporting young users and highlighting safety measures introduced post-lawsuit filing. The company’s recent profit decline, partly attributed to legal expenses, underscores the mounting legal challenges faced by Meta. Previous court rulings in cases like New Mexico have already imposed significant penalties and safety measures on Meta’s platforms, reflecting a broader legal landscape of accountability for social media companies.
