Instagram CEO Testifies in Landmark Youth Harm Trial
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Los Angeles — Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri testified Wednesday in a landmark trial that plaintiffs say will determine whether social media firms engineered products that harm children. Mosseri told jurors he differentiates clinical addiction from problematic use and denied platforms were intentionally designed to be addictive. Plaintiffs, including a woman identified as K.G.M., allege Meta and Google’s YouTube profited by targeting youth; TikTok and Snap settled earlier. The consolidated litigation represents more than 1,600 plaintiffs and school districts. Jury selection began last week; trial testimony continues as parties present technical and internal-evidence disputes. Based on 7 articles reviewed and supporting research.
Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.
Timeline of Events
- 2019: Internal Instagram emails discussed potential harms from photo filters; introduced in court.
- Plaintiffs consolidated thousands of similar suits into bellwether litigation including K.G.M.'s claim.
- TikTok and Snap reached settlements with the named plaintiff prior to the Los Angeles trial.
- Jury selection for the consolidated trial occurred last week in Los Angeles County Superior Court.
- Wednesday (Feb. 12): Adam Mosseri testified, distinguishing clinical addiction from problematic use and denying intentional design to addict youth.
- Articles Published:
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Plaintiffs, researchers and public-interest groups gained courtroom access to testimony and internal evidence that could support legal and policy changes addressing youth harms from social platforms.
Meta and Google face potential legal liability, reputational harm and intensified regulatory scrutiny as defendants in consolidated suits alleging youth mental-health impacts.
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