Meta is gearing up for a significant trial as it faces legal action over child safety concerns on its platforms. The trial, presided over by U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzales Rogers in California, began with jury selection last week. While an eight-person jury will provide recommendations, the final decision rests with Judge Rogers. The trial, anticipated to span six weeks, may see Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram head Adam Mosseri called to testify.
The legal battle originated nearly three years ago when multiple states jointly filed a lawsuit against Meta in California, alleging violations of federal law by collecting data on users under 13 without parental consent. The complaint further contended that Meta obscured the harmful and addictive nature of its platforms for young users while profiting from data harvesting and targeted advertising.
The first phase of the trial involves California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey, with potential trials for 25 other states pending. The outcome of this trial could influence Meta’s approach to subsequent litigations. The states seek significant damages and structural changes to Meta’s platforms, including age restrictions and the removal of infinite scroll.
Meta refutes the accusations, emphasizing its efforts to support young users and implement safety measures. The company has introduced features such as private teen accounts on Instagram and AI tools to verify user ages. Despite facing legal challenges and financial penalties, Meta maintains its commitment to addressing concerns about platform safety.
In a separate case, Meta’s financial outlook was affected by legal expenses, including a recent decline in profits due to a $2.4 billion expenditure. The company is also appealing a New Mexico court ruling that imposed substantial fines and mandated safety measures on its platforms.
Amidst ongoing legal battles, Meta continues to defend its platform practices and address allegations of addictive design and harm to young users. With multiple lawsuits in progress, Meta faces a complex legal landscape both in the U.S. and internationally.