Meta faces a high-stakes trial in California over allegations that Facebook and Instagram were deliberately designed to keep minors hooked. A coalition of U.S. states is seeking sweeping changes to the platforms and potentially up to $1.4 trillion in penalties.
Jury selection begins Wednesday in federal court in Oakland, with opening arguments scheduled for August 18. The trial is expected to last about six weeks and could culminate in testimony from Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
The case was brought by the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey on behalf of around 30 states that sued Meta in 2023.
Prosecutors accuse the company of violating consumer protection laws and federal rules governing children's data by designing features that encourage prolonged use by minors.
Billions at stake
