Mark Zuckerberg defended his company’s policies during a landmark court trial on Wednesday, insisting that Meta Platforms does not allow children under 13 to use its platforms, despite being confronted with internal documents suggesting young users were a key demographic target.
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The testimony came in a California case brought by a woman who alleges that Instagram and YouTube harmed her mental health when she began using the apps as a child. The lawsuit claims social media companies knowingly designed addictive features to keep young users engaged, contributing to depression and suicidal thoughts. Both Meta and Google have denied the allegations, citing efforts to improve user safety.
During questioning, the plaintiff’s lawyer presented internal Instagram documents, including a 2018 presentation suggesting success with teenagers required attracting users at even younger ages. Zuckerberg rejected the interpretation, saying the company had explored ways to create safer experiences for children but never launched a version of Instagram for users under 13.
The trial, taking place in Los Angeles, is part of a broader wave of litigation in the United States targeting major social media companies over their impact on youth mental health. Rival platforms Snap and TikTok reached settlements with the plaintiff before proceedings began.
Zuckerberg also faced scrutiny over past statements regarding time spent on Instagram. Lawyers presented emails from 2014 and 2015 referencing goals to increase user engagement, while later company documents outlined projections for longer daily usage. Zuckerberg argued these were performance benchmarks rather than directives to maximise screen time, adding that Meta now prioritises user experience over engagement metrics.
The case could have far-reaching implications for the technology industry, potentially challenging long-standing legal protections that shield internet companies from liability related to user content and platform design.
The lawsuit forms part of a wider global backlash against social media’s influence on young users, with several governments considering or implementing stricter age restrictions. Australia has already introduced limits banning access for users under 16, while U.S. states including Florida have adopted similar measures now being challenged in court.
