Meta lawsuit: US states seek $193bn penalty

A coalition of US states plans to seek about $193 billion in damages from Meta when a trial begins over allegations that Facebook and Instagram were intentionally designed to be addictive for children.

Opening statements are due to begin on August 18 in Oakland, California, in a trial expected to last six weeks. If Meta loses, the states will ask a judge to require changes to Facebook and Instagram as well as impose a major financial penalty.

Meta had previously said in court documents that possible penalties could reach $1.4 trillion. A lawyer for the states said at a hearing Thursday: “We have not made a request for $1.4 trillion,” and said the states believed Meta calculated that figure “for shock value”. The lawyer said the states would seek damages closer to $193 billion.

The states sued Meta in 2023, alleging that the company designed addictive features for children and violated state laws. Prosecutors representing California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey will try to prove that Meta violated federal and state laws on children's safety and privacy online.

Meta denies the allegations. A company spokesperson said Meta “strongly disagrees with these allegations” and is confident the evidence will show its commitment to supporting young people.

Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers also said Thursday that Meta would not be allowed to block testimony from former employee Arturo Bejar. Meta had asked the court to prevent Bejar from testifying, alleging that he destroyed evidence. Lawyers for the states are expected to question him about Meta's safety and growth practices and whether the company publicly misrepresented what it knew.

Eight people were selected Wednesday for an advisory jury. Judge Rogers will make the final decision, and a verdict is expected by early October.