Hook, hold, harvest and hide: Meta’s alleged strategy laid out in first week of landmark trial
Summary
California and 28 other US states are suing Meta, the company that owns Facebook and Instagram, over claims it created addictive products that harm children. The trial in Oakland examines whether Meta broke child privacy laws by collecting data from kids under 13 without permission and could lead to huge fines and changes in how Meta runs its platforms.Key Facts
- Meta’s business model was described as “hook, hold, harvest, hide,” meaning it attracts users, keeps them engaged, collects their data, and hides information from the public.
- The lawsuit alleges Meta’s social media platforms are addictive and cause harm to children.
- The case is led by California and includes 28 other states suing Meta in US courts.
- The lawsuit claims Meta broke federal child privacy laws by gathering data on children under 13 without parental consent.
- Meta denies the allegations, stating it does not allow children under 13 to create accounts and has disabled over 1 million such accounts.
- If found liable, Meta could face damages up to $200 billion, equal to its projected 2025 yearly revenue.
- The trial includes testimony from former Meta employees, a psychologist, and is expected to last 6-8 weeks.
- Meta has already lost two similar lawsuits earlier this year related to child safety and addictive design on its platforms.
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