The social media industry is currently facing a legal reckoning that experts are calling its “Big Tobacco” moment. At the center of this storm is a landmark trial in Los Angeles, where Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently took the stand. The case, which began in late January, involves a young woman alleging that Meta and Google’s social media platforms (like Instagram and YouTube) foster addiction and cause significant mental health harm to young users.
Zuckerberg admits in court many users lie about their age on Instagram
During his testimony today (Wednesday), Zuckerberg addressed a persistent issue for social media platforms. He stated that, on many occasions, users lie about their age. When questioned about documents suggesting that 4 million children under 13 use Instagram in the U.S., Zuckerberg noted that a significant number of minors bypass age restrictions during sign-up.
He maintained that Meta removes underage users whenever they are identified. However, the legal team for the plaintiff pushed back. They questioned the effectiveness of relying on “fine print” and terms of service to keep nine-year-olds off the platform. This exchange highlights the ongoing tension between a platform’s stated rules and the reality of how children actually access the digital world.
Only two giants left in court
A key detail in this legal battle is the shrinking list of defendants. If you’re not aware, this lawsuit originally targeted multiple platforms, including Snap and TikTok. However, both reached settlements with the plaintiff before the trial even began. This leaves Meta and YouTube (Google) as the primary names currently fighting the allegations in court.
The plaintiff’s lawyers contend that these companies misled the public about the safety of their services. These companies allegedly were aware that specific app features were designed in a way that could be detrimental to the mental health of younger audiences. Meta, however, denies these claims. The firm argues that the jury must decide if Instagram was truly a “substantial factor” in the individual’s struggles.
Addiction vs. Problematic use
The trial has also brought high-ranking executives to the witness stand to discuss the nature of social media itself. Last week, Instagram chief Adam Mosseri testified about the concept of digital addiction. Mosseri acknowledged that some people use Instagram more than they “feel good about.” However, he argued that this “problematic usage” is not the same as a clinical addiction. According to Mosseri, the idea of using a platform “too much” is relative and varies from person to person.
This Los Angeles case is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. Meta is simultaneously facing a trial in New Mexico over child safety and online predators. Plus, there’s another major trial is expected to start this summer in California.
The focus of all these legal battles remains on whether these platforms are inherently dangerous products or whether the responsibility lies with the users and their families. Output can potentially change the future of social media platforms forever.
The post Meta Trial: Zuckerberg Admits Instagram’s Age Checks Are Failing appeared first on Android Headlines.
