Meta and Google-owned YouTube were accused on Monday, February 10th of pushing “highly addictive” apps on children, as a landmark social media trial began in earnest in a California court.
The blockbuster trial—held before a Los Angeles jury—could establish a legal precedent on whether social media juggernauts deliberately designed their platforms to induce ‘addiction’ in children.
The proceedings are expected to see Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg take the stand next week, with Instagram boss Adam Mosseri appearing in the courtroom as early as Wednesday. In addition to owning Instagram, Meta’s platforms include Facebook and WhatsApp.
The trial, overseen by Judge Carolyn Kuhl, focuses on allegations that a 20-year-old woman identified as Kaley G.M. suffered severe mental harm because she became addicted to social media as a child.
