Meta faces 'astronomical' consequences as legal fight reaches critical moment
California has begun a major trial against Meta, leading a coalition of 29 states alleging the company knowingly fosters addictive behavior in children. The outcome could result in significant financial penalties and forced changes to Meta's core algorithms.
Why it matters
As a 'Big Tobacco' style legal challenge, this trial could set a massive precedent for how social media companies are regulated regarding user safety and algorithmic design.
If New Mexico created the blueprint for taking on Meta , California could determine the company's fate when it comes to critical changes at Facebook and Instagram .
Opening arguments begin Tuesday in the trial that California Attorney General Rob Bonta is co-leading against Meta, following a litany of allegations that the company fostered addictive behavior in teens and children. The jury was seated last week in Oakland's federal courthouse.
The trial involves a coalition of 29 state attorneys general in a unified case against Meta that was brought in 2023 , and will be argued by lawyers representing California, Colorado, New Jersey and Kentucky. The stakes are enormous as leading government officials across the country push for Meta to be held accountable for allegedly violating federal and state laws, including the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, or COPPA, and various consumer protection statutes.
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