Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified this week in a high-profile trial examining whether the company adequately safeguarded minors on its platforms, including Instagram and Facebook. The case, which began proceedings in 2026, represents a pivotal moment for the tech industry as families allege Meta prioritized engagement over child safety through addictive features and exposure to harmful content.
Plaintiffs argue that Meta's algorithms disproportionately target young users, while the company maintains its platforms include robust parental controls and age-verification systems. Legal analysts suggest the trial's outcome could influence hundreds of pending lawsuits globally and reshape content moderation standards across social media.
"We've invested billions in safety initiatives since 2020," Zuckerberg stated during cross-examination, emphasizing Meta's recent partnerships with mental health organizations. Critics counter that platform design still incentivizes prolonged usage among adolescents.
The proceedings coincide with heightened regulatory scrutiny across Asia, where governments from India to the Republic of Korea are drafting new digital protection laws. Business analysts warn that stricter regulations could impact Meta's advertising revenue in key growth markets.
