Meta is the latest tech giant to land in her courtroom. Meet Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers

Live updates

1. 20d ago

   Meta agrees to multi-billion dollar settlement over teen addiction claims

   Meta will pay between $16.7 billion and $18 billion to settle a multistate lawsuit alleging the company designed addictive platforms that harmed youth mental health. The agreement ends a landmark trial and requires Meta to implement child-safety measures and usage limits for teenagers on Facebook and Instagram. State attorneys general announced the deal on Wednesday. The settlement resolves claims filed by 47 states.

   Why it matters

   The legal battle followed testimony from whistleblowers and former executives who claimed Mark Zuckerberg prioritized growth over child safety. Meta previously faced a potential $1.4 trillion threat that could have forced the company to stop operations.

   What is confirmed

   • Meta agreed to pay at least $16.7 billion to settle claims regarding social media harms.
   • The settlement requires Meta to add child-safety measures to Facebook and Instagram.
   • Meta will institute limits on how teenagers use its platforms.
   • The deal resolves a lawsuit involving 47 states.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Meta agreed to pay about $18 billion to resolve the multistate lawsuit.
   • Meta agreed to pay exactly $17 billion to end the trial.

   What to watch next

   • Details on the specific platform changes and usage limits for teenagers
   • Court approval of the settlement terms
   • Status of the $942 million judgment appeal in New Mexico
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. nymag.com — Meta Will Pay Billions to Avoid Jury in Addiction Trial
   2. www.wired.com — Meta Will Pay Up to $16.7 Billion to Settle Its Social Media Harms Case—and That’s Not All
   3. www.nydailynews.com — Meta reaches $17 billion settlement with states in landmark trial over teen social media addiction
   4. www.cnn.com — Meta settles landmark state child harm claims for $18 billion and promises changes to its platforms
   5. www.pbs.org — Meta reaches $17 billion settlement with states in landmark trial over teen social media addiction
   confidence 90%
2. 22d ago

   Meta Faces Existential Threat in Federal Child Safety Trial

   Meta is currently facing a sprawling federal lawsuit and a separate legal battle involving 29 US states regarding child safety and social media addiction. Former executives and whistleblowers have testified that Mark Zuckerberg prioritized company growth over the safety of children and lied about his concerns. The company faces a potential $1.4 trillion threat that could force it to cease operations, while also seeking to stay a $942 million judgment in New Mexico pending appeal. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers is presiding over the federal case.

   Why it matters

   The litigation centers on the theory that Meta intentionally designed its platforms to hook young users. This legal challenge draws comparisons to the historic lawsuits against the tobacco industry. A loss could fundamentally alter social media features like Instagram Stories and doom scrolling.

   What is confirmed

   • Twenty-nine US states are suing Meta.
   • A federal lawsuit against Meta is being presided over by Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers.
   • Testimony from a whistleblower and a former executive alleges Mark Zuckerberg prioritized growth over child safety.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The federal case against Meta is based on a novel legal theory explained by Duke law professor Stuart Benjamin.

   What to watch next

   • The verdict of the federal child safety trial
   • The New Mexico court decision on the $942 million judgment stay
   Sources used for this update (16)

   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. Fortune — Meta faces a $1.4 trillion threat that could mean ‘turning in the keys and walking away’
   4. NBC News — Zuckerberg encouraged growth over child safety, ex-Meta executive testifies at trial
   5. WIRED — Meta’s Big Reckoning Is Here
   6. CNBC — No more doom scrolling or Instagram Stories? A Meta trial loss could end the social media we know
   7. The Conversation — 29 US states are suing Meta. What might it mean for the rest of the world?
   8. The Guardian — Hook, hold, harvest and hide: Meta’s alleged strategy laid out in first week of landmark trial
   9. CNBC — Meta is the latest tech giant to land in her courtroom. Meet Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers
   10. Santa Fe New Mexican — Meta asks New Mexico court to stay enforcement of $942 million judgment pending appeal
   11. Marie Claire — Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Share Emotional Message About "Harm"
   12. Detroit Free Press — Mitch Albom: Meta lawsuit should prompt big changes, regardless of verdict
   confidence 80%