A 29-state coalition began its federal trial against Meta, seeking up to $1.4 trillion over youth addiction. Opening arguments set for Aug. 18.
Meta faced the first day of a federal trial this week over allegations that its platforms deliberately addicted young users. The lawsuit, filed in October 2023 by 29 state attorneys general, accuses the company of deploying features like push notifications and infinite scrolling to maximize screen time, then misleading the public about safety, according to ABC News.
The first four states – California, Colorado, New Jersey and Kentucky – are presenting their case in Oakland. Opening arguments are scheduled for August 18. Jury selection concluded Wednesday.
The company ($META) put the potential damages at $1.4 trillion, a figure it called unsupported. "The AGs offer no proof anyone in their states was misled," a Meta spokesperson said in a statement. "Rather than sticking to the facts or the law, the states have instead decided to chase an outlandish payout."
The lawsuit targets specific product features for users under 18, including infinite scrolling and auto-playing video. It also wants the removal of like counts. The states further claim Meta violated the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act by collecting data from children under 13 without parental consent.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta said Meta "designed a dangerous product for young users, knew it to be dangerous, and then lied to children, families, and the community about how dangerous it was."
The trial is expected to run seven weeks. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram head Adam Mosseri could be called to testify, the company said.
The case follows a $567 million ruling against Meta by a New Mexico judge in a similar suit. Meta said it would appeal.
The trial is one of the biggest legal tests for the social media industry's liability over youth mental health. A verdict against Meta could force changes to product designs that drive advertising revenue. It could also open the door to further state and federal action.
The New Mexico appeal and the federal trial are proceeding on parallel tracks. Meta has said it will defend itself vigorously.
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