OAKLAND: Meta will defend itself against allegations that it deliberately designed Facebook and Instagram to be addictive for children as a landmark social media trial begins in California on Tuesday.
California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey are representing a wider coalition of states that sued Meta in 2023, accusing the technology giant of violating state and federal laws through its business and platform practices.
The states are seeking around $200 billion in financial penalties as well as changes to Meta’s apps. Meta has said it “strongly disagrees” with the allegations.
Founder and Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg is among the prominent witnesses expected to testify during the six-week trial.
Battle over witnesses
Ahead of proceedings, Meta attempted to prevent former employee Arturo Bejar from appearing as an expert witness.
Federal Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers rejected the request, describing it as a “Hail Mary” attempt to eliminate a strong witness for the states.
Bejar is expected to face questions about Meta’s approach to safety and growth and whether the company publicly misrepresented information it possessed internally.
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Meta has separately sought restrictions on testimony from another potential expert, Colin Gray, concerning so-called “dark patterns” — design features intended to influence users’ choices.
Eight people have been selected for an advisory jury, although Rogers will ultimately decide the case. A verdict is expected by early October.
Broader reckoning for social media
Legal experts say the case could have major consequences for Meta and potentially the wider social media industry.
Stanford law professor Nora Freeman Engstrom said the proceedings could mark the beginning of a “broader reckoning” for Meta, particularly over any differences between what the company knew internally and disclosed publicly.
Some experts have compared the litigation with cases brought against tobacco companies in the 1990s.
A landmark 1998 settlement required major tobacco companies to pay substantial financial penalties and change their marketing practices.
The Meta trial could similarly determine whether social media companies face greater accountability over allegations involving addiction, children’s safety and platform design.
