RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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State attorneys challenged the head of Instagram over whether the platform does enough to protect young users during a landmark federal trial accusing parent company Meta of designing intentionally addictive and dangerous features.
Adam Mosseri testified in Oakland federal court Tuesday as part of a lawsuit brought by 29 states against Meta. Mosseri, who has led Instagram since 2018, denied claims that he knowingly concealed negative data from the public regarding the platform’s impact on young users.
Mosseri is the first high-profile Meta executive to take the stand, telling the jury that he and his team prioritize the safety of younger users. His testimony followed statements from former Instagram employees who alleged the company ignored internal data showing youth encountered higher rates of bullying, hate speech, violent content, and suicide-related material than adults.
“I think it’s really a bellwether, as many are describing it, to see how we move forward and how platforms can be held accountable and will be held accountable by legal courts and the court of public opinion,” said Nora Benavidez, senior counsel at Free Press.
Former employees also testified that Meta knew fewer users would utilize Instagram’s “Take a Break” feature unless it was set as a default. Mosseri countered that focusing on a single feature overlooks Meta’s broader efforts to safeguard minors.
Meta Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg is expected to testify later in the trial as the company defends itself against allegations that its social media platforms are knowingly addictive.
“There’s no denying that these platforms are addictive, talk to any who says they’re begging themselves to be able to stop doomscrolling and you know that they’re addictive,” Benavidez said.
Mosseri is expected to return to the stand to continue his testimony.
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