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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 Platforms. The lawsuit alleges that Meta deliberately designed Facebook and Instagram to addict children and illegally collected data on users under 13.

technologylawsuitchild safetyprivacymental health
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Why It Matters

The outcome of this trial could force Meta to change how it operates its social media platforms and result in significant financial penalties, setting a precedent for how tech companies are held accountable for youth mental health and data privacy.

Key Facts

  • Opening arguments begin Tuesday in a federal trial in Oakland, California.
  • The lawsuit involves attorneys general from California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey.
  • A total of 29 states sued Meta in 2023; 25 additional states will face trial at a later date.
  • The lawsuit alleges Meta knowingly designed features to addict children to Facebook and Instagram.
  • The lawsuit claims Meta collects data on children under 13 without parental consent, violating federal law.
  • The trial is expected to last between six and eight weeks.
  • Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and other executives are expected to provide testimony.
  • Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers is presiding over the case.

Who's Mentioned

locationKentucky“State involved in the lawsuit”personBarack Obama“Former President who appointed Judge Gonzalez Rogers”locationCalifornia“State involved in the lawsuit”locationColorado“State involved in the lawsuit”personYvonne Gonzalez Rogers“U.S. District Judge overseeing the trial”personMark Zuckerberg“CEO of Meta Platforms”locationNew Jersey“State involved in the lawsuit”personRussell Coleman“Kentucky Attorney General”organizationMeta Platforms“Defendant in the federal lawsuit”