Washington, February 18:
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified before a jury for the first time in a landmark trial examining allegations that the company’s social media platforms harmed children and teenagers. The case centers on claims that platforms owned by Meta Platforms — including Facebook and Instagram — contributed to addiction, mental health issues, and in some cases severe harm among young users.
Zuckerberg’s testimony is seen as a pivotal moment in the proceedings, offering him an opportunity to defend the company’s policies and safety measures. Meta has maintained that it has invested heavily in tools and features aimed at protecting teenagers, including parental controls, content moderation systems, and time-management reminders.
Parents from across the United States attended the hearing, many alleging that their children experienced anxiety, depression, or other serious consequences linked to social media use. Some families claim the platforms played a role in tragic outcomes.
The trial is being closely watched nationwide, as it could have significant implications for how social media companies are regulated and held accountable for youth safety in the future.
