Meta Platforms has denied allegations made by U.S. states that it deliberately aimed to create addiction among children using its Facebook and Instagram platforms for profit, as a trial that could potentially impact some of the most widely-used apps worldwide commenced on Tuesday. A bipartisan coalition of 29 U.S. states is taking legal action against Meta, seeking substantial fines and modifications to Meta’s business practices.
The lead states of California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey accused Meta of intentionally designing Facebook and Instagram to engage young users, leading to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and even suicide, while also deceiving consumers about the safety of the platforms. All 29 states accused Meta of breaching federal laws by improperly gathering and utilizing children’s personal information.
The trial, taking place in a federal court in Oakland, California, and beginning with opening statements on Tuesday, is being hailed as a significant legal examination of the impact of social media on young users. Meta, along with other social media giants like Snap, TikTok’s parent company ByteDance, and YouTube’s parent company Alphabet, are facing a multitude of lawsuits from states, municipalities, school districts, and individuals regarding the potential harm caused by their products to young users.
Megan O’Neill, a deputy attorney general for California, informed the jury that Meta’s business strategy focused on engaging users, retaining them for extended periods, collecting their data, and concealing truths from the public. O’Neill emphasized that this strategy was particularly effective with children, and Meta needed to ensure the safety of young users to appease concerned individuals.
Meta’s legal representative, Paul Schmidt, acknowledged that some social media users encounter difficulties but contended that research did not conclusively establish a direct link between adolescents’ social media usage and their well-being. Schmidt highlighted that Meta’s co-founder and CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, shared the company’s commitment to enhancing services rather than endangering users.
The jurors are expected to provide an advisory verdict, which the U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers will consider as guidance, ultimately determining Meta’s accountability. If Meta is found liable, Rogers could levy civil penalties and mandate alterations to Facebook and Instagram. Meta has indicated that penalties could reach up to $1.4 trillion, nearly equivalent to the company’s market value in Menlo Park, California.
During a recent hearing, attorneys general suggested that the penalties could amount to around $200 billion, approximately three years of Meta’s after-tax profits. The lead states of California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey are advocating for substantial changes to Facebook and Instagram, such as removing features like likes and infinite scrolling, imposing time limits for younger users, and enforcing measures to prevent children under 13 from accessing the platforms.
As the trial kicked off, critics of Meta gathered outside the courthouse. One of the speakers, Mary Rodee, shared the tragic story of her son’s suicide after being targeted by a predator on Facebook, highlighting the potential dangers associated with social media platforms. The trial, set to span six weeks, is anticipated to feature testimonies from key figures like Mark Zuckerberg and Adam Mosseri, CEO of Instagram.
The proceedings began following opening arguments, with the first witness being former Meta safety engineer Arturo Bejar, who raised concerns about Meta’s safety tools and the company’s approach to monitoring children under 13 online. Bejar testified that Meta prioritized speed and innovation over safety considerations, potentially endangering young users.
The trial is significant as it delves into the intricate relationship between social media platforms and their impact on users, particularly young individuals. As the legal battle unfolds, the outcome could have far-reaching implications for the regulation and practices of tech giants in the digital landscape.
