Meta is gearing up for a significant federal trial in Oakland, California, following two previous losses related to child safety on its platforms this year. The trial, presided over by U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzales Rogers, saw jury selection completed last week. Despite the eight-person jury providing an advisory verdict, Judge Rogers will make the final decision independently. The trial is anticipated to span at least six weeks, potentially involving testimony from Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram head Adam Mosseri.
The legal battle stems from a lawsuit filed almost three years ago by numerous states, accusing Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp, of unlawfully gathering data from users under 13 without parental consent. The 233-page complaint alleges that Meta employed misleading tactics to conceal the detrimental and addictive nature of its platforms for young users while profiting from targeted advertising and data collection.
The trial’s initial phase involves four states: California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey. Depending on the outcome, Meta may face additional trials with other states. The plaintiffs are pursuing substantial damages and structural changes to Meta’s platforms, including imposing age restrictions and eliminating features like infinite scroll.
Meta refutes the accusations, asserting its dedication to supporting youth. The company has implemented new safety features, such as private teen accounts on Instagram with enhanced controls and parental oversight. Despite Meta’s legal challenges, including recent financial penalties, the company remains embroiled in multiple lawsuits both in the U.S. and internationally, alleging harm to young users.