Mark Zuckerberg Denies Instagram Targets Kids Amid Landmark US Trial

Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg faced intense questioning at a Los Angeles trial over claims that Instagram contributed to a California woman’s mental health struggles when she was a child. During the proceedings, Zuckerberg repeatedly insisted that children under 13 are not allowed on Instagram, despite internal documents suggesting younger users were a focus for growth.

Lawyer Mark Lanier, representing the plaintiff, confronted Zuckerberg over a 2024 congressional statement and 2018 internal presentations showing Instagram aimed to “bring in tweens” to boost engagement. Zuckerberg responded that Meta explored safe versions for children under 13 but never launched them, and denied any deliberate targeting.

The case highlights the broader scrutiny social media companies face over youth mental health. The plaintiff alleges Meta and Google knowingly designed apps to hook children, fuelling depression and suicidal thoughts. Meta and Google have denied the allegations, pointing to safety features and parental controls.

Zuckerberg also faced questions about prior statements denying that Instagram aimed to maximize user screen time. Jurors were shown documents outlining milestones to increase daily engagement from 40 minutes in 2023 to 46 minutes in 2026. Zuckerberg described these as “gut checks” rather than goals, emphasizing that employee targets focus on improving user experience.

This is Zuckerberg’s first in-person testimony regarding Instagram’s impact on young users’ mental health. Legal experts say the case could set a precedent for thousands of similar lawsuits in the US, potentially challenging Big Tech’s traditional immunity from liability over platform design.

Internal research previously revealed by Reuters shows Meta was aware some teens felt worse about their bodies using Instagram and were exposed to “eating disorder adjacent content.” While Meta argued the plaintiff’s issues stemmed from a troubled childhood, the trial reflects mounting global pressure on social media firms to address the mental health risks of young users.

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