Meta trial over child addiction claims begins in California

Meta faces a trial in California beginning Tuesday, August 18, over allegations by US states that Facebook and Instagram were deliberately made addictive for children.

California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey are going to trial as representative states from a coalition that sued Meta in 2023. Lawyers for the states will argue that Meta violated state and federal laws through its practices around children, safety and growth.

Meta said it strongly disagrees with the allegations.

Federal Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers rejected Meta's attempt to stop former Meta employee and expert witness Arturo Bejar from testifying. Lawyers for the states are expected to question Bejar about Meta's safety and growth practices and whether the company publicly misrepresented what it knew, according to a court document.

Meta has also asked the judge to limit testimony from another potential expert witness, Colin Gray, whom the states intend to question about “dark patterns,” features designed to steer users toward choices preferred by a company.

Meta founder and chief Mark Zuckerberg is among the witnesses expected to testify. A lawyer for the states said at a hearing last week that they are seeking about $200 billion, not penalties above $1 trillion as Meta had said in a court filing. The states are also demanding changes to Meta's apps.

Eight people were selected last week for an advisory jury, but the judge will make the final decision. The trial is expected to last six weeks, with a verdict expected by early October.