Meta goes on trial in Oakland over state accusations of youth‑targeted design and privacy violations
A coalition of state attorneys general has brought a federal lawsuit against Meta Platforms, alleging that Facebook and Instagram are engineered with features such as endless scrolling, autoplay video and push notifications to capture the attention of minors and that the company collected personal data from users under 13 without parental consent, violating the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. The case is being heard in the Northern District of California, presided over by Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers.
The trial began this week in Oakland, with a jury empaneled to consider the claims and any potential remedies. Meta has denied the allegations, asserting that its safety initiatives and research demonstrate a focus on protecting young users.
How this was covered
- Right-leaning outlets covered this 59h later
Why it matters
The verdict could reshape how major social‑media platforms design and operate features used by children and teens.
How this story developed
- Aug 8 Federal Trial Targets Meta Over Alleged Child Harm and $1.4 Trillion Claim
- Aug 11 The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals denied Meta and TikTok’s appeal, allowing the lawsuits to proceed.
- Aug 13 Jury selection started in Oakland for the multistate trial.
- Aug 14 A Ninth Circuit court ruled that Section 230 does not shield Meta from the design‑related allegations.
- Aug 17 A jury of eight was empaneled in Oakland federal court to hear the case.
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