Mark Zuckerberg Testifies in Youth Social Media Addiction Trial Over Instagram Policies

Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified in a landmark Los Angeles trial addressing allegations that Instagram and YouTube contributed to youth social media addiction and harmed a young user’s mental health. The lawsuit, filed by a California woman who began using the platforms as a child, claims Meta and Google knowingly targeted minors to maximize engagement despite understanding potential mental health risks.

During questioning, Zuckerberg reiterated that Meta does not allow children under 13 to use Facebook or Instagram. However, the plaintiff’s attorney presented internal Meta documents suggesting younger users were considered an important demographic. A 2018 Instagram presentation reportedly stated, “If we want to win big with teens, we must bring them in as tweens.” Zuckerberg responded that the statement was taken out of context and explained that Meta had explored creating age-appropriate versions of its services for children under 13 but ultimately did not launch such products.

The case also examined Meta’s age verification practices. In an internal email, former Meta executive Nick Clegg reportedly acknowledged that age limits were difficult to enforce. Zuckerberg argued that verifying user age is technically challenging and suggested that mobile device manufacturers share responsibility.

Lawyers further questioned Zuckerberg about past goals to increase user engagement and screen time on Instagram. Emails from 2014 and 2015 outlined objectives to boost time spent on the platform by double-digit percentages. Zuckerberg said Meta’s approach has evolved and denied giving misleading testimony to Congress regarding maximizing user time.

The lawsuit is part of broader litigation against major social media companies, including Meta, Google, Snap, and TikTok, over claims they fueled a youth mental health crisis. A verdict against Meta could weaken longstanding legal protections for tech platforms. As global scrutiny intensifies, with countries like Australia and U.S. states such as Florida imposing stricter age limits, the outcome of this trial may significantly impact the future regulation of social media platforms and child online safety policies.