Stanford Law School professor Nora Freeman Engstrom said the implications of this trial go beyond this case.

“Meta isn’t just defending itself in one trial,” Engstrom said. “It’s trying to fend off a legal theory that, if successful, could be replicated nationwide.”

The upcoming trial is about what Meta knew about risks to children and whether, in the face of that information, the company opted to protect young users — “or look out for its bottom line,” Engstrom said.

What’s at stake goes well beyond the size of the judgment, according to the Stanford law professor.

“A loss here could hand other states, school districts and private plaintiffs a blueprint for future litigation,” Engstrom said.