Meta trial that could reshape Facebook, Instagram gets underway

A coalition of states including Colorado, California, New Jersey, and Kentucky, representing a total of 29 states, are embarking on a trial that could significantly alter the landscape of Facebook and Instagram, according to a report on Tuesday. The trial, set to commence in a federal court in California, will see the leading attorneys for these states deliver their opening statements to an eight-person jury serving an advisory role for U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers.

The trial's objective is to scrutinize Meta's alleged design of Facebook and Instagram to be addictive to children and teens, as well as their misleading statements about the safety of these platforms for young users. Additionally, the 29 states will be addressing accusations of improper collection and usage of children's personal data on Meta's platforms, a violation of federal law.

Meta's legal team is expected to present a defense, asserting that the company has made significant efforts to ensure the safety of its users, particularly children. They claim that Meta has not disseminated misleading information regarding platform safety, and that the states have not provided any concrete evidence of harm to residents. The trial will also feature testimony from Meta's founder and CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, and Instagram head, Adam Mosseri.

Experts have suggested that the trial marks the most significant test of youth social media litigation to date, occurring amidst a global reevaluation of social media's impact on young users. The potential damages could reach as high as $1.4 trillion, almost equivalent to Meta's market capitalization of $1.5 trillion.