Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg took a stand in the Los Angeles court on February 18 in a landmark trial. The major trial examining whether social media platforms knowingly harm children. Zuckerberg rejected the claims that Instagram was designed to be addictive, saying lawyers were ‘mischaracterising’ his words. Meta CEO also argued that the internal emails about boosting engagement on the platform were aspirational and not official company goals.

Meta CEO denied addiction claims

During the trial Mark Zuckerberg was questioned about Instagram’s cosmetic surgery filters. Experts have warned that these filters could negatively affect the teenage girls. Zuckerberg admitted to lifting a ban on the filters, restrictions felt “paternalistic.” He emphasized that Meta tries to err on the side of free expression, even when risks are raised.

Underage users on Instagram

Lawyers further pressed Zuckerberg on documents showing millions of children under the age of 13 are present on Instagram in the US. Meta CEO acknowledged this claim and said that some users lie about their age. However, he added that Meta Meta removes underage accounts when identified. Instagram only began requiring birthdays at sign‑up in late 2019.The trial also saw unusual moments, with Judge Carolyn B. Kuhl warning that anyone using AI smart glasses during testimony would be held in contempt. Members of Zuckerberg’s team were photographed wearing Meta’s Ray‑Ban AI glasses before entering the courthouse.

Outreach to Apple on teen wellbeing

Zuckerberg also revealed he had reached out to Apple CEO Tim Cook in 2018 to discuss opportunities for collaboration on child safety. Defense lawyers highlighted this exchange to show he was proactive in addressing concerns about young users on Instagram.The Los Angeles case is one of several lawsuits this year accusing social media companies of harming young users’ mental health. Meta faces another trial in New Mexico, where the state’s attorney general alleges the company failed to protect children from online predators.