Meta is gearing up for a crucial trial starting Tuesday, following two previous losses related to child safety issues this year. The trial, overseen by U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzales Rogers in Oakland, California, involves jury selection and is expected to last approximately six weeks. While the eight-person jury will provide input, Judge Rogers will ultimately make the final decision.

The trial stems from a lawsuit filed by multiple states nearly three years ago, accusing Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp, of unlawfully collecting data from users under 13 without parental consent. The states allege that Meta engaged in deceptive practices to hide the addictive and harmful nature of its platforms for young users, while profiting from targeted advertising and data collection.

The trial initially involves four states: California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey, with the possibility of more states having their own trials later. The outcome of this trial could impact Meta’s strategy regarding potential litigation with other states. Legal experts suggest that the requested financial damages of up to $1.4 trillion by Meta are unrealistic and could have severe consequences for the company.

Meta denies the allegations and emphasizes its efforts to enhance safety features on its platforms, such as introducing teen accounts on Instagram with enhanced privacy settings and parental controls. The company acknowledges the importance of addressing concerns raised by parents and experts regarding the impact of social media on young people.

In a separate case in New Mexico, Meta faced significant financial penalties and was ordered to implement new safety measures on its platforms. The company is also involved in legal battles in Tennessee and Canada over similar allegations of harm caused to young users. The upcoming trial will be a significant test for Meta’s response to growing concerns about child safety and platform addiction.