Mark Zuckerberg Arrives at Los Angeles Superior Court to Testify in a Youth Social Media Harm Trial
The CEO of Meta Platforms took the stand this week in a case that could reshape how social media platforms operate — and what they may owe families who say their children were harmed.
For the first time before a jury, Zuckerberg testified in Los Angeles Superior Court as a now-20-year-old woman, identified as “Kaley,” accuses Meta and YouTube of designing addictive features that hooked her at age 9 and contributed to anxiety, body dysmorphia and suicidal thoughts.
Outside the courthouse, parents from across the country held photos of children they say were harmed — or lost — to social media.
Timeline: The Most Damning Claims
- 2015 Internal Document: Estimated more than 4 million Instagram users under 13, representing “30% of all 10–12 year olds in the U.S.” — despite the platform’s 13+ rule.
- Pre-Dec. 2019: Instagram did not require birthdates at sign-up — only a confirmation users were over 13.
- August 2021: Existing users were prompted to submit birthdates as part of a youth safety push.
- Kaley’s Use: Allegedly began at age 9, sometimes spending “several hours a day,” including one stretch of more than 16 hours in a single day.
- 2024 Congressional Testimony: Zuckerberg stated the “existing body of scientific work” has not shown a link between social media and worsening youth mental health.
- Current Trial: Plaintiffs argue addictive design — not accident — drove profits at the expense of children’s safety.
When pressed on whether children under 13 accessed Instagram, Zuckerberg said they are “not allowed.” Confronted with internal estimates, he acknowledged earlier privacy concerns delayed stricter age verification but said the company “landed on the right policy.”
Meta disputes the allegations, saying it “strongly disagrees” and maintains a longstanding commitment to youth safety. Its legal team argues family circumstances — not platform design — caused the plaintiff’s mental health struggles.
The verdict could serve as a bellwether for hundreds of similar lawsuits nationwide — with potential damages in the billions.
