Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg publicly expressed regret for the time it took Instagram to limit access for users under 13, while attempting to convey that Meta is no longer focused on maximizing time spent on its platforms during testimony on Wednesday, February 18th.
During six hours of questioning in a trial involving his company and Google, the CEO defended Meta, sometimes with intensity, and at other times appearing frustrated. This marked his first time testifying before a jury. The trial centers on allegations from thousands of American families that Instagram and YouTube knowingly designed their platforms to be addictive, particularly for young users.
Instagram began requesting users’ birthdates in 2019, extending the requirement to existing users in 2021, and gradually verifying the accuracy of these declarations starting in 2022. Zuckerberg acknowledged that improvements could have been made sooner.
Alarming Figures
During the hearing, the plaintiff’s attorney, Mark Lanier, presented an internal document from 2018 estimating four million Instagram accounts belonged to children under 13 in 2015. Instagram estimated that 30% of 10-12 year olds in the U.S. Were on the platform at that time.
Twelve jurors are tasked with determining if YouTube and Instagram bear responsibility for the mental health issues experienced by Kaley G.M., a 20-year-old Californian who began using social media extensively as a child. She secretly created an Instagram account at age nine in 2015.
This case, along with two similar ones, will serve as test cases for resolving thousands of complaints accusing social media companies of contributing to an epidemic of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and even suicides among young people.
The legal proceedings focus on the design of the applications themselves, as U.S. Law largely shields platforms from liability for user-generated content. TikTok and Snapchat reached confidential settlements with Kaley G.M. Before the trial but remain involved in other pending lawsuits.
Shifting Strategies and Regulatory Tools
Zuckerberg as well addressed the issue of beauty filters, which Instagram temporarily removed due to concerns they promoted unrealistic beauty standards. He defended the decision to allow them, citing support for free expression, but stated that Meta should not create or recommend such filters.
He also highlighted the tools available to parents and young users to manage their social media use, but opposing counsel pointed out that only 1.1% of teenagers used the “daily time limit” feature and 2% used the “take a break” feature as of 2023.
Zuckerberg suggested that Apple and Google, as smartphone operating system providers, should implement age verification at the device level rather than leaving it to individual applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Meta actively trying to build its platforms addictive?
Zuckerberg testified that Meta is not seeking to make Instagram addictive, stating that long-term user engagement depends on providing a positive experience.
What is Section 230 and why is it relevant?
Section 230 of the Communications Act of 1934 generally protects internet companies from liability for content posted by their users. This limits the legal grounds for suing social media platforms.
What role do Apple and Google play in this debate?
Zuckerberg suggested that Apple and Google could help address age verification by implementing it at the operating system level.
Throughout the day, Zuckerberg maintained that increasing engagement was not a primary goal, but rather a result of providing a valuable experience. He stated that focusing on utility and value was the new priority.
