Mark Zuckerberg appeared in court Wednesday to defend Meta against allegations that it targeted young users. Lawyers confronted him with internal documents suggesting the company prioritized children and teenagers. Zuckerberg argued the communications were misrepresented. This marked his first jury appearance amid years of criticism of Meta, which owns Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. Google’s YouTube is also part of the trial, which could influence thousands of related lawsuits.
TikTok and Snapchat settled before the trial started, with terms undisclosed. Meta insisted it protects young users and bars people under 13. Still, lead plaintiff lawyer Mark Lanier presented emails and research showing Meta employees discussed teenage and younger Instagram users.
Internal Emails Question Age Enforcement
Lanier highlighted a 2019 email sent to Zuckerberg and three top executives that criticised weak enforcement of age restrictions. The email stated the company struggled to claim it was doing everything possible. Nick Clegg, Meta’s head of global affairs and former UK politician, wrote the message.
Lanier asked about a 2019 research report describing teens as feeling “hooked” on Instagram despite negative emotions. The report said teens described their use in addiction-like terms, feeling good and bad while wishing they could spend less time online. Zuckerberg said the study was conducted externally, not inside Meta.
Meta lawyer Paul Schmidt noted the research also mentioned positive aspects of Instagram. Schmidt said Meta used such studies to improve its platforms. A 2018 presentation revealed Meta tracked retention among younger users, despite claims under-13 users were not allowed. Zuckerberg admitted slower progress identifying these users but said Meta reached the right place over time.
Emails Show Meta’s Focus on Teen Engagement
Zuckerberg said teens contributed under 1% of advertising revenue and accused Lanier of misrepresenting internal documents. He said Meta explored regulated versions of its products for children under 13. He cited Messenger Kids, noting he uses it with his own children, though it is not widely used.
Lanier presented internal emails discussing teen usage and strategies to increase it. In 2015, Zuckerberg set goals to raise time spent by 12% and reverse declining teen trends. A 2017 email said teens became the company’s top priority. Zuckerberg said the earlier focus on time spent no longer applied.
Under Schmidt’s questioning, Zuckerberg said Meta could not have survived if it focused solely on engagement metrics. He added he worked to address problematic platform use because it was the right thing to do. Schmidt cited Instagram tools that set daily limits, alert users, and mute notifications at night. Lanier highlighted internal data showing only 1.1% of teen users activated these tools.
Families Attend Court to Share Personal Stories
Plaintiff K.G.M., who started using Instagram at age nine, sat across from Zuckerberg. Bereaved parents also attended court, while many more gathered outside for support. Lori Schott wore a badge showing her daughter Annalee, who died by suicide at 18.
Schott told reporters platforms could quickly adjust algorithms to protect children and asked why Meta had not done so. The trial will last several weeks, featuring testimony from former Meta employees critical of company practices. YouTube CEO Neal Mohan was expected to testify but will not appear.
Debate Over Social Media Addiction
Instagram head Adam Mosseri previously argued that even 16 hours of daily use does not prove addiction. Zuckerberg said valuable products naturally attract more use. Lanier responded that addicted users also increase usage. Zuckerberg admitted he was unsure how to answer and questioned whether addiction applied to Instagram.
Thousands of similar lawsuits accuse Meta, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube of creating addictive platforms harming children. One case involves 29 state attorneys general asking a California court to remove all under-13 accounts before trial.
Governments Consider Stricter Youth Restrictions
Countries increasingly aim to limit social media use by minors. Australia recently banned accounts for users under 16. The United Kingdom, Denmark, France, and Spain are considering similar measures.
