Zuckerberg grilled over kids’ Instagram use in landmark social media trial

Mark Zuckerberg faced tough questioning in a Los Angeles courtroom during a high-profile trial examining allegations that social media companies knowingly design platforms that can addict and harm young users.

Testifying on Wednesday, the CEO of Meta defended the firm’s approach to youth safety and the use of Instagram, arguing that current scientific evidence does not definitively show social media causes mental health problems. He denied accusations that the company set specific targets to increase time spent on the app, though he acknowledged that such metrics were used previously before shifting attention toward improving user “utility.”

The lawsuit was brought by a 20-year-old woman identified as KGM, who claims her early exposure to social media worsened her depression and suicidal thoughts. Meta and Google’s YouTube remain defendants in the case, while TikTok and Snap have already reached settlements over similar allegations.

During cross-examination, the plaintiff’s attorney, Mark Lanier, presented internal documents that appeared to show the company once encouraged goals tied to user time on the platform. Zuckerberg responded that a responsible company should aim to support users rather than exploit them.

He also addressed concerns about beauty filters and age-verification systems, stating there is limited proof of harm and noting Meta’s efforts to block children under 13 and identify users who misrepresent their ages.

Advocates for children criticised his testimony as inaccurate, whereas Meta’s legal team argued the plaintiff’s mental health issues were linked to personal circumstances rather than Instagram use.

The outcome of this bellwether trial could shape thousands of similar lawsuits currently facing social media companies.