Trial for Meta Begins with States Arguing Its Platforms Preyed on Vulnerability of Young Brains
- On Tuesday, a coalition of 29 state attorneys general began their trial against Meta in Oakland federal court, alleging the company intentionally designed Facebook and Instagram to addict children and misled the public about platform safety.
- California Deputy Atty. Gen. Megan O'Neill told the jury that Meta's business model was to "hook the users, hold them for as long as they can, harvest their data, and then hide the truth from the public."
- Meta lawyer Paul W. Schmidt countered in opening statements that internal reports demonstrate efforts to protect youngest users, arguing federal law prevents the company from collecting data to exclude children under 13.
- Attorneys general have yet to specify final penalties, but estimates suggest damages could reach $282 billion, while Meta has warned potential liabilities could be as high as $1.4 trillion, nearly the company's entire market value.
- The case represents a critical test of Section 230, a federal law protecting internet companies from liability, following a recent New Mexico court order requiring Meta to pay $800 million into a mental health fund.
158 Articles
158 Articles
Meta goes on trial, accused of getting kids addicted
Meta is once again on trial over dangers its platforms may pose to children. It is once again arguing that it works tirelessly to keep them safe. A pivotal trial for the parent company of Instagram and Facebook kicked off in a California federal court on Tuesday, with four states seeking billions of dollars in damages as well as fundamental changes to how Meta runs its platforms. A jury will decide whether the states' attorneys general have made…
The tech giant faces the federal justice charge of some 30 US states for making their social networks addictive for minors. The group is being claimed some $193 billion and a redesign of its two flagship applications.
On Tuesday the trial began in Meta. The charge is to have created social networks that create dependence and have done nothing to prevent it. It could pay almost as much as it is worth on the Stock Exchange. It is the "Big Tobacco moment" of the digital platforms
Meta social media addiction trial opens
Meta rejected claims that its apps were designed to addict young users, as a trial began Tuesday that could reshape the social media giant’s businesses. Brought by 29 US states, the lawsuit argues Facebook and Instagram knowingly contributed to negative health outcomes for minors. The outcome could result in billions of dollars in penalties for Meta and potentially lead to significant changes to the platforms, as countries from Australia to Pola…
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