Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is expected to testify Wednesday in a Los Angeles court case that is being billed as a landmark moment for the social media industry. The courtroom will be attended by families who blame digital platforms for psychological harm and tragic cases linked to their use by young people.
The lawsuit was filed by a young woman, identified only as “Kaley,” who claims that her heavy use of Instagram and YouTube during her childhood and adolescence negatively affected her mental health. The lawsuit is the first of more than 1,500 similar lawsuits that could set a legal precedent for tech companies’ liability over the design of their products.
Families who will attend Zuckerberg's testimony say they are demanding real accountability from companies that they say have created mechanisms for digital addiction in minors. Some of them were also present at the US Congressional hearings in 2024, where Zuckerberg publicly apologized to parents.
Meta, on the other hand, denies the allegations and states that it has taken measures to ensure the safety of young users, including “teen accounts,” content restrictions, and stronger privacy rules. According to the company, these measures have reduced unwanted contacts and exposure to sensitive content for teenagers.
The lawsuit could have major financial consequences for the tech companies, as a ruling against them would pave the way for billions of dollars in damages and could force significant changes to how social platforms operate.
Other companies such as TikTok and Snap Inc. are also involved in this matter, which have reached out-of-court settlements in some cases, while other processes continue.
This trial is being seen as a major test for the technology industry: have companies done enough to protect young users, or is the design of platforms built to maximize online presence, regardless of the consequences.
