Mark Zuckerberg, chief executive of Meta, gave evidence on Wednesday in a landmark US trial over social media addiction, facing tough questions about whether the company does enough to prevent children under 13 from using its platforms. The Meta boss said the firm had improved at identifying underage users but added: “I always wish that we could have gotten there sooner.”
Lawyers for the plaintiffs, who argue that Meta intentionally designed Instagram and other platforms to be addictive, repeatedly pressed Zuckerberg on age verification. When asked if he expected a nine-year-old to read the terms of service, he replied: “I don’t see why this is so complicated.” Zuckerberg also acknowledged that some users lie about their age when signing up and that the company removes underage accounts it finds.
The trial in Los Angeles centres on a 20-year-old woman, identified as KGM, who says her compulsive use of YouTube and Instagram worsened her depression and suicidal thoughts. Her case is one of about 20 “bellwether” cases intended to gauge jury reactions. TikTok and Snap have already settled in the initial trial but still face hundreds of other lawsuits.
Zuckerberg’s appearance comes after Instagram chief Adam Mosseri testified last week, denying that users could be “clinically addicted” and describing heavy usage as “problematic use”, akin to watching too much TV. Meta’s attorney Paul Schmidt argued in his opening statement that KGM’s mental health issues stemmed from a difficult home life, not Instagram.
This is the first time Zuckerberg has addressed child safety concerns before a jury. He previously apologised to grieving families in a 2024 Senate hearing, but critics remain sceptical. John DeMay, whose son died by suicide after an Instagram sextortion scam, said the apology was “mostly empty”. The trial could lead to large payouts and changes in how social media platforms are designed.
