Meta's Child Safety Trial Begins Today—Here's What's At Stake

Opening arguments began Tuesday in a major tech trial where U.S. states accuse Meta (parent of Facebook and Instagram) of targeting children with intentionally addictive features—potentially resulting in a large fine and forced changes to its platforms. The trial is being held in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, led by attorneys general from California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey—four of 29 states suing Meta over child safety. States say they seek damages near $200 billion, though Meta claims filings indicate roughly $1.4 trillion—nearly matching its market capitalization. Kentucky AG Russell Coleman called it the 'largest consumer protection lawsuit in American history,' alleging Meta 'concealed what it knew about the harm its products cause young people because looking away was more profitable.' An eight-person jury will give a recommendation to Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, who determines the final verdict and damages.