Meta 'hid the truth' over child safety, court hears, as social media trial begins
A major legal trial has begun against Meta regarding allegations that the company hid the truth about child safety on its platforms. Experts suggest the outcome could force significant structural changes to social media design and liability.
Why it matters
This case could set a legal precedent for how social media companies are held liable for interface design and its impact on minors.
This is one of the biggest legal challenges to ever face Meta -- and its effects could change the landscape of social media permanently, says James Grimmelmann, a professor of digital and information law at Cornell University.
If the plaintiffs prevail, there will likely be billions of dollars in damages and major structural changes to Meta. That could "add up, even for a company of Meta's size," Grimmelman says.
But the impacts may even be felt beyond Meta itself.
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