Global tech giant Meta Platforms Inc. is currently facing a massive legal challenge after four U.S. states filed lawsuits seeking astronomical fines reaching $1.4 trillion, equivalent to IDR 25,054 trillion. The states of California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey accuse the Cupertino-based company of intentionally designing Facebook and Instagram with features alleged to cause addictive effects in underage users.
This high-profile legal case is scheduled to head to court in Oakland, California, next month. Court documents show that the fine figure is a calculation based on the methodology proposed by local attorneys general should the plaintiffs win the case in court.
Responding to a figure that nearly equals the company's current total market capitalization, Meta has strongly rejected the demands. The social media parent company argues that the claims lack a sufficient evidentiary basis and are legally flawed. According to a Meta spokesperson, the methodology proposed by the plaintiffs to calculate the fine is not supported by strong factual evidence.
To date, this legal battle has drawn intense scrutiny from the global tech industry, particularly regarding the responsibility of platforms in safeguarding the mental health of young users. The public now awaits the trial to see how the legal arguments from both sides will be tested before the panel of judges.
