Meta Faces $1.4 Trillion Lawsuit

Meta is facing a trial in a California federal court, where 29 states are accusing the company of deliberately engineering Facebook and Instagram to be addictive to children. The trial, which is expected to last seven weeks, addresses claims that Meta illegally collected and used children's data in violation of federal law.

The states are seeking damages that Meta has estimated could reach $1.4 trillion. This figure is based on statutory penalties for consumer-protection and privacy breaches, which the states claim Meta has violated. Meta has said it strongly disagrees with the allegations and is confident the evidence will show its commitment to supporting young people.

Meta founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg is expected to testify, as is Instagram head Adam Mosseri. The lawsuit was filed in 2023, following disclosures by Meta whistleblower Frances Haugen. Jury selection began on Wednesday, with opening statements scheduled to begin on August 18.

The states want the court to order design changes to Meta's platforms, including age restrictions, elimination of infinite scroll, and prioritizing wellbeing over engagement. This could have significant implications for Meta's business model, which relies on user engagement and data collection.

## Why it matters The trial is the biggest test yet of youth social media litigation and comes amid a broader reckoning across the globe over social media's effects on young users. The outcome of the trial could have far-reaching consequences for Meta and the social media industry as a whole. If the court rules in favor of the states, it could lead to significant changes in the way social media companies design their platforms and collect user data.

The case also highlights the growing concern about the impact of social media on children's mental health and wellbeing. The states argue that Meta knowingly built features to keep young users scrolling, from bottomless feeds to relentless notifications, and that it harvested data on children under 13 in breach of federal privacy law.

## What happens next The trial is expected to run for about seven weeks, with the judge's own decision likely in October. An advisory jury will weigh in on specific questions, yet the final ruling rests with the judge. The outcome of the trial will be closely watched by the social media industry, regulators, and parents, who are increasingly concerned about the impact of social media on their children's lives.

The potential damages of $1.4 trillion are a significant threat to Meta's business, and the company will likely do everything in its power to defend itself against the allegations. However, if the court rules in favor of the states, it could lead to a significant shift in the way social media companies operate and prioritize user wellbeing over engagement.