San Francisco, Aug 18:
Meta faces lawsuit over child safety and is going to trial this week in California. US states are seeking extensive financial damages that could, in theory, total as much as USD 1.4 trillion, plus changes to how the company operates Facebook and Instagram.
The lawsuit accuses the social media giant of contributing to the youth mental health crisis by deliberately designing features that get children addicted to its platforms. It also claims that Meta routinely collects data on children under 13 without their parents’ consent, in violation of federal law. Dozens of states filed the lawsuit three years ago.
The trial set to begin Tuesday in federal court in Oakland, California, features four of the states as plaintiffs; California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey. The other 25 states are expected to have trials later. Meta said it disputes the allegations, and the trial evidence will show its commitment to supporting young people.