Former Meta engineering director Arturo Béjar completed a second day of testimony Wednesday in a trial that could affect how Facebook and Instagram protect young users. Reuters reported that cross-examination occurred as four states pressed claims over youth safety, privacy and platform design.
Key Facts
- Arturo Béjar is a witness for California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey.
- The states allege that Meta put engagement and growth ahead of protections for young users.
- Meta denies the central allegations and says it built extensive safety tools for teenagers and parents.
- The testimony is evidence in an ongoing civil trial, not a ruling that Meta caused harm or broke the law.
What Béjar told the court
The Associated Press reported that Béjar testified in Oakland on August 19 about Meta’s approach to children under 13. He claimed that underage use was widely known inside the company and that safety concerns received less attention than engagement.
Reuters reported that Béjar also accused Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg of encouraging growth over child safety. Those statements are Béjar’s testimony, not findings by the court.
Reuters reported that cross-examination brought out limits on Béjar’s knowledge. During his second period working with Meta, he was an outside contractor and lacked access to some company resources, according to Reuters.
Meta disputes the states’ case
Meta rejects the claim that it put growth ahead of teen safety. The company says the plaintiffs have taken internal material out of context and oversimplified the causes of youth mental-health problems.
Meta points to private-by-default Teen Accounts, parental time limits and restrictions on who can contact teenagers. It says those measures show a long-term commitment to safer, age-appropriate experiences.
What the trial will decide
The case is People of the State of California et al. v. Meta Platforms, Inc. et al., No. 4:23-cv-05448-YGR. Chief U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers is presiding in the Northern District of California.
California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey are participating in this trial phase. Their claims concern alleged deceptive practices, product features affecting young users and the collection of information from children under 13.
The states seek changes to Meta’s practices and monetary relief. Meta is actively defending the case, and the official docket shows contested trial filings from both sides.
A June order left major disputes for trial. It did not decide that Meta caused youth harm or resolve the company’s liability.
The current testimony also does not itself require Facebook or Instagram to change. Any practical effect on account settings, parental controls or data practices will depend on the eventual resolution of the states’ claims.
What happens next
The trial will continue with additional evidence and witnesses. No verdict or final judgment has been entered.
The proceeding follows an earlier appellate dispute over Meta’s attempt to challenge part of the case before trial. TheFirstFile previously reported on the Ninth Circuit’s dismissal of that early appeal.
Sources
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California — official case page
- U.S. District Court — June 29 summary-judgment order, official copy hosted by the California Attorney General
- Associated Press — Béjar testimony report
- Reuters, republished by 103.7 The KRRO — Béjar testimony report
- Meta — statement on teen safety and the litigation
