Opening statements began Tuesday in a federal trial against Meta Platforms, with families of social media victims and advocates congregating outside the Oakland courthouse. They displayed a banner bearing the names of nearly 600 children and young adults who have allegedly died from social media-related harms, including suicides following cyberbullying or sextortion.
Lennon Torres, an advocate with the Heat Initiative, stated that the courtroom doors are open and it is time for the public to see "that their products are designed to addict and to harm children," according to claims made by the advocates. Many parents attending the trial have participated in previous legal actions and congressional hearings concerning online child safety. They believe this trial, initiated by the attorneys general of four states seeking billions in damages, represents a significant turning point and the culmination of years of advocacy for increased child protection on social media.
Social media companies are increasingly confronting lawsuits over alleged harms to young users. Meta has already lost two significant cases this year concerning harms to children and teens, though the company is appealing both verdicts.
Amy Neville, whose 14-year-old son died from fentanyl poisoning after being targeted by a drug dealer on Snapchat, described the trial as a reflection of a "groundswell of public perception changing against these companies." Neville, who has dedicated herself to raising awareness about social media dangers, expressed hope that holding companies accountable will eventually lead to safer product designs.
This lawsuit does not focus on individual incidents but rather on broader allegations that Meta made design choices for Instagram and Facebook that knowingly put young users at risk. The plaintiff states also contend that Meta misrepresented the dangers of its platforms.
Meta has denied these allegations, asserting that the trial will demonstrate its efforts to enhance platform safety. The trial's outcome could have substantial implications for Meta's financial standing and the operational design of its platforms. Parents involved are particularly eager for internal Meta documents to be presented as evidence.
John DeMay, whose son died by suicide at 17 after falling victim to a sextortion scheme on Instagram, will be closely monitoring the proceedings. He believes the unfolding evidence will reveal the extent of the problem to a wider American audience.
Some parents present were from California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey, the four plaintiff states. They expressed gratitude to their respective attorneys general. Lori Schott of Colorado shared that Attorney General Phil Weiser reviewed her daughter Annalee's social media content and journals after her death by suicide at 18. Annalee's writings indicated feelings of inadequacy and comparisons to others on social media.
Schott addressed Meta, CEO Mark Zuckerberg, and Instagram head Adam Mosseri, stating that "power does not excuse harm" and that profits do not absolve Big Tech of responsibility. She emphasized that no company, regardless of its wealth or influence, should be above the law or the well-being of children.
Erin Popolo, whose daughter died by suicide following intense cyberbullying, expressed optimism about the trial's potential to drive meaningful change on social media platforms, remarking, "I think that we’re going to make history here."