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NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedAugust 18, 2026Miami-Dade

Attorneys general begin federal trial against Meta over child safety and data privacy

Opening arguments begin this week in a federal trial where attorneys general from four states are seeking financial damages and operational changes from Meta. The lawsuit alleges that Meta knowingly designed addictive features for Facebook and Instagram and collected data on children under 13 without parental consent.

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Why It Matters

This trial could result in significant financial penalties for Meta and court-ordered changes to how social media platforms manage youth safety and data privacy.

Key Facts

  • Opening arguments begin Tuesday in a federal trial in Oakland, California.
  • Four states (California, Colorado, Kentucky, New Jersey) are participating in this specific trial.
  • A total of 29 states sued Meta in 2023; 25 additional states will have separate trials.
  • The lawsuit alleges Meta designed features to addict children to Facebook and Instagram.
  • The lawsuit alleges Meta collected data on children under 13 without parental consent.
  • The trial is expected to last between six and eight weeks.
  • Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and other executives are expected to testify.
  • U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers is presiding over the case.
  • Meta denies the allegations, stating they have a record of protecting teens.

Who's Mentioned

personBarack Obama“Appointed Judge Gonzalez Rogers in 2011”other13“Age threshold for data collection allegations”personYvonne Gonzalez Rogers“U.S. District Judge overseeing the trial”personMark Zuckerberg“Meta CEO expected to testify”personRussell Coleman“Kentucky Attorney General”organizationMeta Platforms“Defendant in the federal lawsuit”other29“Total number of states that sued Meta in 2023”other25“Number of states whose lawsuits will go to trial later”