As opening arguments got underway Tuesday in the lawsuit filed by New Jersey, Kentucky, California, and Colorado against Meta, the New Jersey Civil Justice Institute released the following statement:

“Headline-grabbing lawsuits are not a substitute for thoughtful policymaking,” said Elissa Frank, President of the New Jersey Civil Justice Institute. “Protecting kids online is one of the defining issues of our time, but New Jersey’s lawsuit against Meta is a poor use of resources and reinforces the state’s reputation as hostile toward business — chasing away investment, eroding the Garden State’s competitive edge, and undermining our legacy of innovation.

Litigation brought by New Jersey and a handful of other states is playing out alongside hundreds of claims filed by profit-motivated law firms. But here's the truth: bombarding the tech sector with lawsuits might generate headlines for ambitious politicians and enrich enterprising attorneys, but it does nothing to support young people or empower parents. New Jersey should focus on real solutions while ensuring the state is a place where innovative companies want to invest, grow, and create jobs.”

NJCJI is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization supported by many of New Jersey’s largest employers, business associations, and professional organizations. We work to promote a fair, efficient, and predictable civil justice system, which is essential for innovation, economic growth, and job creation.