Meta trial over social media harm to children begins

A landmark trial seeking to hold Meta accountable for the alleged harm its social media platforms cause children is set to begin in California on Tuesday.

Four US states, California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey, argue the company misled the public about the safety of Instagram and Facebook and deliberately made the apps addictive for minors.

Lawyers for the states also allege Meta is violating privacy laws by routinely collecting data on children under 13 without their parents' consent.

The states are seeking around $200 billion (€173 billion) in damages as well as significant changes to Meta's core platforms.

They are part of a coalition of 29 states that sued the tech giant in 2023 for allegedly building addictive features into its apps.

Opening statements were set to get underway in the federal court in Oakland, a short drive from San Francisco, on Tuesday.

Among the star witnesses expected to testify during the proceedings is Meta founder and chief executive Mark Zuckerberg.

Former Meta employee and expert witness Arturo Bejar is also expected to testify, despite the company's efforts to block his appearance.