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Zuckerberg Testifies in Landmark Teen Social Media Addiction Trial in Los Angeles

Feb 18, 2026Los Angeles5 sources

Summary

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified in person at a Los Angeles trial brought by KGM, a 20-year-old plaintiff who claims compulsive Instagram use worsened her mental health. Zuckerberg acknowledged that Meta had improved its age verification and safety features but admitted the company had not acted quickly enough. Plaintiffs' lawyers challenged his testimony, arguing Meta's platform design intentionally creates addiction in young users. The trial is one of a series of bellwether cases that could shape hundreds of similar lawsuits nationwide.

Incident Details

Domain
Child Safety

Harms involving the exploitation, abuse, or endangerment of minors, including CSAM and grooming.

Severity
Minor involved
Platforms
InstagramYouTube
Companies
Meta

Who Was Affected

Age
Young Adult
Gender
Unknown
Group
Children