Meta Platforms Trial Over Social Media Harms Begins

Opening statements began Tuesday in a trial against Meta Platforms in Oakland, California. Outside the federal courthouse, advocates and parents displayed a large banner with names of children and young adults who suffered social media-related harms. Among the nearly 600 names were Giovanni, 11, Bubba, 13, and Englyn, 14, who died from incidents like cyberbullying and sextortion. Parents emphasized that these names represent only a small fraction of victims.

Behind us, justice is going to be served, said Lennon Torres of the Heat Initiative. The courtroom doors are open, and it is time for the public to see what the executives at Meta have known all along: their products are designed to addict and harm children. Many parents gathered have attended similar trials and congressional hearings concerning online child safety. They view this trial, with attorneys general from four states seeking billions in damages, as a pivotal moment in efforts to enhance children’s online safety.

Social media companies face increasing lawsuits over harms to young users. Meta has already lost two trials this year over such harms and is appealing those decisions. The trial represents a shift in public perception against these companies, according to Amy Neville, whose son Alexander died from fentanyl poisoning after a transaction on Snapchat. Like other bereaved parents, she is committed to raising awareness about social media dangers.

If we can keep holding them accountable over and over, something has to give, Neville said. I don’t want us to stop until they’ve made their products safe by design. The lawsuit centers on broad claims that Meta’s decisions in designing Instagram and Facebook put young users at risk. The states allege Meta knew about these dangers and misled the public.

Meta denies these allegations, asserting the trial will highlight their safety efforts. The trial could significantly impact Meta’s financial standing and platform operations. Many parents are eager to see internal Meta documents revealed during the trial. John DeMay, whose son Jordan died by suicide due to a sextortion scheme on Instagram, is among those closely following the proceedings.

As this information starts to unfold, Americans, including many parents who don’t see this daily, will realize, ‘Oh my God, this is really what’s happening,’ DeMay commented. Parents from the plaintiff states—California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey—expressed gratitude to their attorneys general for pursuing the case.

Lori Schott from Colorado noted that Attorney General Phil Weiser examined her daughter Annalee’s social media content and journals before her suicide at 18, where Annalee expressed feelings of inadequacy compared to others online.

In addressing Meta and its leaders, Schott stated, They have built one of the world’s most powerful companies, but power does not excuse harm. She emphasized that no company, regardless of its wealth or influence, should evade accountability for harm caused.

Many parents seemed hopeful for change. Erin Popolo, whose daughter Emily Murillo died by suicide following cyberbullying, anticipated that the trial might spur meaningful change in social media practices. I think that we’re going to make history here, she expressed.