Major Meta trial begins as lawyers argue over damages
Facebook-parent Meta will defend itself in a landmark social media trial that begins today in California, where attorneys have argued over witnesses and financial penalties.
A major trial has commenced against Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, as lawyers debate the extent of damages owed for allegedly exploiting children with the platforms. In a case likened to tobacco's role in public health, 29 US states allege Meta intentionally designed Instagram and Facebook to be highly addictive for young users, leading to anxiety, depression, and even suicide.
The states demand $200 billion in penalties from Meta, claiming it improperly collected and used personal data of children while misleading the public about platform safety. Deputy California Attorney General Megan O'Neill stated that Meta's business model involved hooking users, harvesting their data, and concealing the truth from the public.
The trial will feature testimony from Meta co-founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram Chief Adam Mosseri, with US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ultimately determining Meta's liability and potential penalties. Meta's defense will argue that the company has taken significant steps to protect children online and that any alleged harm was not due to misleading statements.
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