The Social Media Dilemma: Zuckerberg Takes Stand in Child Safety Trial

Mark Zuckerberg is set to testify in a trial examining claims that Meta's platforms harm children through addiction. The lawsuit, featuring a 20-year-old complainant, may influence similar cases against social media companies. Meta denies the allegations, asserting their commitment to supporting young people.

Mark Zuckerberg is set to testify in an unprecedented trial scrutinizing claims that Meta's platforms deliberately addict and harm children. The trial revolves around a lawsuit filed by a 20-year-old woman, identified as KGM, who argues that her early exposure to social media exacerbated her mental health issues, including depression and suicidal thoughts.

Meta, along with Google's YouTube, stands as the remaining defendants, with TikTok and Snap having settled their cases. Zuckerberg, having previously testified on youth safety, will face the jury for the first time over these allegations. The outcome of this bellwether trial could set a precedent for numerous similar lawsuits against social media companies.

A Meta spokesperson expressed confidence in disproving the allegations, citing the company's commitment to supporting young individuals. Meta's attorney, Paul Schmidt, acknowledged KGM's mental health struggles but argued there is no substantial evidence of Instagram's role in these issues, instead pointing to personal challenges as contributing factors.

(With inputs from agencies.)