Major Meta trial begins as lawyers spar over witnesses, damages

A landmark social media trial commences in California on Tuesday, as Meta, the parent company of Facebook, faces charges from a coalition of states. The lawsuit, filed in 2023, accuses Meta of deliberately making Facebook and Instagram addictive to children, violating state and federal laws. Four states have been chosen to represent the coalition in the trial.

Meta attempted to prevent Arturo Bejar, a former employee and expert witness, from testifying. However, Federal Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers dismissed Meta's request, granting the states an early advantage. Bejar has previously testified against the company, including in a New Mexico trial where Meta was defeated.

In a new filing, Meta requested the judge to limit the scope of testimony from another potential expert witness, Colin Gray, who will be questioned about Meta's practices related to safety and growth, as well as whether the company misrepresented its knowledge. Mark Zuckerberg, Meta's founder and CEO, is among the key witnesses expected to testify.

The states are seeking around $200 billion in financial penalties, though Meta claims the figure was used for shock value. They also demand changes to Meta's apps. Eight individuals were selected to serve on an advisory jury, but the judge will make the final decision. The trial is anticipated to last six weeks, with a verdict expected by early October.

Although this is not the first lawsuit targeting social media companies for mental health and safety concerns, it could be one of the most significant. Law professor and associate dean at Stanford, Nora Freeman Engstrom, sees this case as the start of a broader reckoning for Meta. She emphasizes the importance of examining the gap between what Meta knew privately and what it disclosed publicly.

Experts draw parallels between this case and the tobacco industry settlement in the 1990s, where dozens of US states held major tobacco companies accountable for downplaying the health risks associated with their products.