Jury Selection Begins in Federal Trial Alleging Meta Harmed Youth Mental Health
Jury selection has started in Oakland for a federal trial where Meta is accused of harming youth mental health and illegally tracking children through its platforms. The trial is expected to run for six to eight weeks.
San Francisco Oakland San Jose, CA, August 12, 2026 —
OAKLAND, Calif. – Jury selection commenced this week in Oakland for a significant federal trial in which Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, faces accusations of contributing to youth mental health issues and engaging in the illegal tracking of children across its platforms. The proceedings are anticipated to extend for a duration of six to eight weeks.
The trial centers on allegations that Meta’s social media services have had detrimental effects on the mental well-being of young users. Furthermore, the company is accused of violating laws through its practices of tracking children’s online activities. The commencement of jury selection marks a critical phase in this high-profile legal challenge.
Details regarding the specific nature of the alleged harm to youth mental health and the methods of illegal tracking were not provided in the summary. The summary also did not specify the plaintiffs involved in the lawsuit or the exact date jury selection began.
The duration of the trial, estimated to last between six and eight weeks, indicates the complexity and potential volume of evidence expected to be presented. This legal battle could have significant implications for social media companies and their practices concerning younger users.
Story summarized from the original created by AP on abc7news.com, see more information here.
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