Mark Zuckerberg, Sheryl Sandberg spared from testifying after settling Meta shareholders' $8B privacy lawsuit

Core Viewpoint - Meta Platforms, along with Mark Zuckerberg and other current and former directors, has agreed to settle claims from shareholders seeking $8 billion for alleged damages related to privacy violations of Facebook users [1][4][5]. Group 1: Settlement Details - The settlement details were not disclosed, and the trial was adjourned by Judge Kathaleen McCormick just before it was set to enter its second day [2][6]. - The plaintiffs' lawyer indicated that the agreement was reached quickly [2]. Group 2: Background of the Case - Shareholders sued Zuckerberg, Marc Andreessen, and other former officials, including Sheryl Sandberg, aiming to hold them accountable for billions in fines and legal costs incurred by the company [5][11]. - The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) fined Facebook $5 billion in 2019 for failing to comply with a 2012 agreement regarding user data protection [5][12]. Group 3: Implications and Reactions - The settlement may provide relief to the involved parties but has been criticized as a missed opportunity for public accountability [7][16]. - The case was expected to include testimonies from notable figures, including former board members Peter Thiel and Reed Hastings [8].