Jury selection began on Wednesday in a California federal court where Meta, owner of Instagram and Facebook, faces claims that its platforms harm children. Experts have called the case a pivotal moment for social media, akin to tobacco industry litigation.
Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers and attorneys questioned potential jurors on their opinions about social media, personal use of such platforms, whether their children use them, and views on links to mental health.
Several prospective jurors noted that social media can affect mental well-being, with one likening the effect of excessive scrolling to a stimulant.
Eight individuals were chosen that afternoon to serve in an advisory capacity, though the judge will issue the final ruling.
A group of states filed suit against Meta in 2023, alleging the company created addictive features for minors and breached state regulations. California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey were chosen to present the case.
Prosecutors from these states seek to demonstrate that Meta intentionally designed its services to be addictive to younger users.
Meta disputes the claims and states it remains committed to youth safety, having consulted parents, specialists, and authorities.
Though not the first such action against a social media firm, this trial may prove highly significant.
Legal observers compared it to 1990s tobacco lawsuits, noting parallels in how business practices are scrutinized rather than solely the technology itself.
By the early 1990s, evidence linked tobacco to serious illnesses, and probes showed companies had minimized known risks. Multiple states reached a major settlement in 1998 that imposed penalties and restricted marketing to minors.
Meta has faced prior convictions in other jurisdictions with damages nearing one billion dollars.
The states here seek substantial financial penalties up to 1.4 trillion dollars plus extensive app modifications.
Analysts note that reputational damage and required operational changes pose greater risks than monetary awards.
Testimony from company leadership, including founder Mark Zuckerberg, is anticipated.
The proceedings may mark the start of wider accountability for the firm, with attention on any differences between internal knowledge and public statements.
Meta maintains confidence in its youth protection measures.
In May, several platforms settled a related Kentucky case for 27 million dollars. Separately, a federal appeals court allowed over 3,000 additional suits against major tech companies to move forward.
