Zuckerberg Testifies in Pivotal Trial Over Social Media Addiction Allegations

Mark Zuckerberg testified in a significant trial in Los Angeles, addressing claims that Meta and other social media platforms intentionally designed features to be addictive for children and teens. The lawsuit, initiated by a young woman named Kaley and her mother, alleges that these addictive designs contributed to mental health issues, including anxiety and depression, starting from when Kaley was just six years old. This trial is the first of over 1,500 similar cases in the U.S. and could set a precedent for how tech companies are held accountable for their product designs. Meta defends its practices, stating that it has implemented safeguards for young users, despite the serious allegations against it.

Key Details: • Trial began on February 12, 2026, in Los Angeles County Superior Court. • Zuckerberg admitted challenges in enforcing age restrictions on Instagram. • Kaley began using Instagram at age 10, prior to stricter policies. • Meta claims to have made significant changes to protect young users.