Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg defended his company’s policies and rejected allegations that its platforms exploit vulnerable users during tense testimony in a Los Angeles courtroom, where a closely watched trial is examining whether social media products harm young people.
Zuckerberg appeared as part of a landmark case in which a now 20-year-old plaintiff alleges that early exposure to social media led to addiction, worsening depression and suicidal thoughts. The lawsuit targets Meta and Google’s YouTube, while TikTok and Snap previously reached settlements. The proceedings are considered a bellwether trial whose outcome could influence thousands of similar lawsuits against social media companies.
During questioning, plaintiff attorney Mark Lanier framed the debate around how companies treat vulnerable users — whether they help them, ignore them or exploit them. Zuckerberg agreed that exploiting users would be unacceptable, stating that a responsible company should aim to support people using its services. Throughout the exchange, however, he repeatedly challenged what he described as misleading characterisations of Meta’s practices.
The courtroom exchanges also turned personal at times, with lawyers questioning Zuckerberg about his wealth, philanthropic commitments and public image. Zuckerberg responded that he has pledged to donate nearly all of his fortune toward charitable causes focused on scientific research and dismissed suggestions that he had been coached to present himself in a particular way. When confronted with internal communications encouraging him to appear more authentic and less “robotic,” he said such feedback reflected general advice rather than scripted preparation.
Attorneys pressed him extensively on youth safety measures, especially age-verification systems on Instagram. Zuckerberg maintained that Meta prohibits users under 13 and actively works to detect accounts created using false ages. Expressing frustration during a prolonged exchange, he questioned why the issue was being portrayed as overly complex given existing safeguards.
Meta’s legal team acknowledged the plaintiff’s mental health struggles but argued that Instagram was not a substantial cause, pointing instead to evidence of personal and family difficulties that they said predated heavy platform use. Company representatives maintain that social media may have served as a coping outlet rather than the source of harm.
The trial follows earlier testimony from Instagram head Adam Mosseri, who rejected claims that social media platforms create clinical addiction and said long-term business success depends on protecting users’ well-being. Zuckerberg’s appearance marked the first time he faced detailed questioning on youth safety issues before a jury rather than lawmakers, with bereaved families and observers closely watching the proceedings.
The case is expected to examine broader issues including algorithm design, endless scrolling features and appearance-altering filters — elements plaintiffs argue encourage compulsive use — while Meta continues to deny wrongdoing and says evidence will demonstrate its commitment to youth safety.
