Meta is gearing up for a significant trial starting this week in Oakland, California. The trial, presided over by U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzales Rogers, has a jury selection completed last week. While an eight-person jury will provide an advisory opinion, the final decision rests with Judge Rogers alone. The trial is anticipated to span six weeks, with potential testimonies from Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram head Adam Mosseri.
The lawsuit stems from allegations made by several U.S. states, claiming that Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp, unlawfully collected data from users under 13 without parental consent. The states have accused Meta of deceptive practices, alleging that the company deliberately concealed the addictive nature of its platforms for young users while profiting from data harvesting and targeted advertising.
The trial, initially brought by California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey, could set a precedent for future litigation involving Meta. The attorneys general of these states are seeking substantial damages and structural remedies, aiming to address the alleged harms caused by Meta’s platforms. Despite Meta disputing the claims, the trial outcome could have far-reaching implications for the company, potentially leading to significant financial penalties and platform modifications.
In a separate case in New Mexico, Meta was recently ordered to pay hefty fines related to child safety concerns, signaling a challenging legal landscape for the tech giant. With ongoing lawsuits and mounting legal expenses, Meta faces a tumultuous period ahead as it navigates multiple legal battles across different jurisdictions.