| Opening arguments begin today for a multistate trial against Meta that could be the most consequential yet. The social media company faces up to $1.4T in penalties—approaching the company’s total value—as well as forced product design changes. California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey are accusing Meta of violating consumer protection laws, including those related to children’s privacy, false advertising, and unfair competition. The company stands accused of more than 100 deceptive public statements, including some emphasizing children’s safety, while designing products to be addictive to children, harming their mental and physical health. States also say Meta collected information on children under 13 without parental consent, violating federal law. Meta has lost two similar lawsuits this year, approaching $1B in payouts. While observers say the company is unlikely to be forced to make the maximum payout (causing bankruptcy), it could be forced to end its infinite-scroll design and “like” counts. This while ‘gender-affirming care’ – hormones and surgery – remain legal and protected in the three blue states, as does abortion for children of any age, while Kentucky currently has a Democrat governor. In addition California has sued providers attempting to stop puberty blockers and hormones and challenged federal restrictions. Recent budgets have included dedicated funding for ‘transgender youth healthcare providers’. |
Facebook owner Meta trial begins
