Hook, hold, harvest and hide: Meta’s alleged strategy laid out in first week of landmark trial

Live updates

1. 23d ago

   Meta's alleged strategy of 'hook, hold, harvest and hide' faces scrutiny in landmark trial

   Meta is facing a landmark trial over allegations that it prioritized growth over child safety, with whistleblowers testifying that CEO Mark Zuckerberg encouraged this approach. The trial has drawn parallels to the big tobacco industry, with 29 US states suing Meta. A loss could have significant implications for the company's future and the social media landscape.

   Why it matters

   The trial is a significant development in the ongoing scrutiny of Meta's practices and policies. The company is facing multiple lawsuits and regulatory challenges, including a $1.4 trillion threat that could have a major impact on its operations. The trial is also seen as a test of the company's accountability and transparency.

   What is confirmed

   • Meta's alleged strategy is described as 'hook, hold, harvest and hide'
   • 29 US states are suing Meta
   • Meta faces a $1.4 trillion threat
   • Mark Zuckerberg encouraged growth over child safety, according to ex-Meta executive
   • Meta whistleblower Arturo Béjar testified that Mark Zuckerberg lied about his concern for child safety

   Still unconfirmed

   • A Meta trial loss could end the social media we know

   What to watch next

   • The outcome of the trial and its potential impact on Meta's operations
   • The company's appeal of a $942 million judgment in New Mexico
   • Further testimony from whistleblowers and Meta executives
   Sources used for this update (11)

   1. The Economist — Meta’s blockbuster trial draws parallels to big tobacco
   2. The Guardian — Zuckerberg lied about concern for child safety, Meta whistleblower testifies at landmark trial
   3. NPR — Whistleblower Arturo Béjar leads testimony in landmark trial against Meta
   4. Fortune — Meta faces a $1.4 trillion threat that could mean ‘turning in the keys and walking away’
   5. NBC News — Zuckerberg encouraged growth over child safety, ex-Meta executive testifies at trial
   6. WIRED — Meta’s Big Reckoning Is Here
   7. CNBC — No more doom scrolling or Instagram Stories? A Meta trial loss could end the social media we know
   8. The Conversation — 29 US states are suing Meta. What might it mean for the rest of the world?
   9. The Guardian — Hook, hold, harvest and hide: Meta’s alleged strategy laid out in first week of landmark trial
   10. CNBC — Meta is the latest tech giant to land in her courtroom. Meet Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers
   11. Santa Fe New Mexican — Meta asks New Mexico court to stay enforcement of $942 million judgment pending appeal
   confidence 85%