Meta, after losing two trials related to child safety on its platforms this year, is now embroiled in what could be its most significant trial starting Tuesday. The federal trial, overseen by U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzales Rogers in Oakland, California, began with jury selection last week. While an eight-person jury will provide input, the final decision rests with Judge Rogers.
The trial is anticipated to span at least six weeks, with potential testimonies from Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram head Adam Mosseri. The lawsuit, initiated nearly three years ago by a coalition of states alleging that Meta violated federal law by gathering data from users under 13 without parental consent, is now coming to a head in this trial.
The states involved in this initial trial include California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey, with the possibility of further trials in other states pending the outcome. The stakes are high, with the state attorneys general seeking substantial damages and structural modifications if they prevail.
Meta faces a potential financial blow, with projections indicating a maximum liability of $1.4 trillion in damages. The company, however, has contested these claims and highlighted its efforts to enhance safety measures for young users. Despite the legal challenges, Meta has introduced new safety protocols on its platforms, such as teen accounts on Instagram with enhanced privacy features.
The legal battles for Meta extend beyond the current trial, with ongoing litigations in different states and countries over alleged harms to young users. The outcome of this trial could significantly impact Meta’s future legal strategy and business operations.
In a rare decline in profits last month, Meta attributed part of its financial setback to legal expenses, indicating the mounting pressure from the ongoing trials. The company’s legal woes underscore the increasing scrutiny faced by tech giants over their impact on users, especially young individuals.