Meta is gearing up for a significant trial that kicks off this week, following two previous legal losses this year on child safety issues. The trial, set to span at least six weeks, will be overseen by U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzales Rogers in Oakland, California. While an eight-person jury is involved, they will act in an advisory capacity only, with the final decision resting with Judge Rogers.
The lawsuit against Meta, involving dozens of states, alleges that the tech giant, which owns Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp, breached federal law by collecting data from users under 13 without parental consent. The complaint contends that Meta obscured the harmful and addictive nature of its platforms for young users while profiting from data collection and targeted advertising.
The trial’s initiators, including California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey, are seeking substantial damages and structural changes to Meta’s platforms. Should Meta be found liable, the court will decide on the financial penalties. Meta refutes the claims, asserting its dedication to safeguarding young users and highlighting recent safety improvements, such as enhanced privacy controls on Instagram.
Legal challenges are mounting for Meta, with ongoing lawsuits in various jurisdictions, including Canada and Tennessee, alleging similar harms to young users. The outcome of this trial could have far-reaching implications for Meta’s future legal battles and its approach to user safety.