Meta child data trial
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The gist
Meta faces a $200bn trial over child data and addiction by 29 states.
The outcome could reshape social media safety and set a precedent for tech accountability.
Background
Meta Platforms is on trial in federal court in Oakland, California, facing allegations from 29 state attorneys general that it deliberately designed Facebook and Instagram to be addictive to children, concealed the harms, and illegally collected data on users under 13 without parental consent. The trial, which began with opening arguments on August 18, 2026, is part of a broader wave of lawsuits against social media companies over youth mental health and data privacy. The states seek up to $1.4 trillion in penalties and court-ordered changes to Meta's platforms.
How it unfolded
- 2023Dozens of states filed the lawsuit against Meta over child safety and privacy.
- Aug 17, 2026Jury was seated in Oakland's federal courthouse; Meta and states prepared for trial.
- Aug 18, 2026Opening arguments began; trial expected to last six to eight weeks, with testimony from Mark Zuckerberg and others.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- California AG Rob Bonta: 'Meta designed a dangerous product for young users, knew it to be dangerous, and then lied to children, families and the community about how dangerous it was.'
- Official
- Meta said the AG coalition's 'limited claims are unsubstantiated and their financial demands are vastly disproportionate.'
- Analysts
- Legal experts say damages close to $1.4 trillion are unlikely, but the trial could force fundamental changes to Meta's platforms.