What's at stake as Meta faces potential landmark trial in U.S. federal court
Meta has lost two trials concerning child safety on its platforms so far this year and settled a third case. The company now faces what could be its most consequential trial yet, in federal court beginning Tuesday.
Meta is set to face a potentially landmark trial in US federal court, concerning allegations that it contributed to the youth mental health crisis by designing features that get children addicted to its platforms. The trial, which begins on Tuesday, is one of thousands of lawsuits the company faces over child safety on its platforms.
The lawsuit, filed by dozens of states three years ago, claims that Meta knowingly and deliberately designed features to get children addicted, and that it collects data on children under 13 without their parents' consent, in violation of federal law. Four states - California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey - are leading the case as plaintiffs, with the other 25 states expected to have trials later.
Meta disputes the allegations, saying it has worked with experts, law enforcement, and parents to support young people, and that the trial evidence will show its commitment to this cause. The states are seeking extensive financial damages, potentially totalling $1.4 trillion, according to Fast Company and Quartz, plus changes to how the company operates Facebook and Instagram.
Brief written by urgent.news from CBC Business, Fast Company, Quartz — 3 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
