Attorney General Jackley Announces Jury Selection Begins Today In Youth Mental Health Lawsuit Against Meta

South Dakota Office of the Attorney General

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026

Contact: Tony Mangan, Communications Director, 605-773-6878   

Attorney General Jackley Announces Jury Selection Begins

Today In Youth Mental Health Lawsuit Against Meta

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces that jury selection is scheduled to start today (Wednesday) in the 33-state federal lawsuit against Meta.

The case is being tried in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. 

The South Dakota Attorney General’s office, along with 32 other attorneys general, have sued Meta for allegedly violating the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) by collecting data from children under 13 without consent and employing features designed to be addictive. While courts have confirmed Meta failed to provide required parental notices, broader litigation continues regarding the company's knowledge and intent in targeting minor users.

“Today marks an important step forward as jury selection begins in the civil case against Meta,” said Attorney General Jackley.   “The issues raised in this litigation are important to South Dakota parents and children, and the Attorneys General are fully prepared to present our case and pursue accountability.”

Opening statements are scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 18. The trial is scheduled to last about six weeks.

Other Attorneys Generals also joining the federal lawsuit are from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

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