Mark Zuckerberg Faces Jury in Landmark Trial Over Meta’s Alleged Targeting of Children
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — In a historic courtroom appearance on February 19, 2026, Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta Platforms Inc., took the stand for the first time to face a jury in a high-profile social media trial. The case centers on allegations that Meta knowingly engineered addictive features targeting children, even as internal company documents warned of the risks to young users’ mental health.
For eight hours, Zuckerberg was questioned under oath about Meta’s business practices and product design choices. Plaintiffs’ attorneys accused the social media giant of prioritizing profit over safety by crafting algorithms and features that intentionally hooked children and teenagers. The trial has drawn national attention amid growing public concern over the effects of social media on youth.
During the testimony, Zuckerberg was presented with internal emails, including a 2015 message in which he set a goal to increase user engagement time by 12% in 2016. The plaintiffs argued this demonstrated Meta’s deliberate effort to maximize screen time, effectively addicting users. Zuckerberg countered that growth targets were aimed at providing value to users rather than fostering addiction, and he denied that Meta sought to attract underage users.
Despite Zuckerberg’s attempts to sidestep questions, the presiding judge instructed him to provide direct answers, underscoring the gravity of the allegations. The trial also revealed that Meta’s internal safety promises were not matched by substantial action, a point highlighted by grieving mothers who testified about the devastating impact of social media addiction on their children.
This case unfolds as public opinion increasingly favors stricter regulation of social media platforms. A recent Fox News poll found that nearly two-thirds of American voters support banning social media use for children under 16, reflecting widespread concern about online safety.
The trial also comes amid ongoing scrutiny from federal agencies and lawmakers. The Federal Trade Commission has previously investigated Meta’s practices related to user privacy and child protection, while the Federal Communications Commission has examined the broader impact of digital platforms on youth.
Meta’s defense hinges on the argument that the company has implemented numerous safety features and content controls designed to protect younger users. However, internal documents and whistleblower testimonies have challenged the sincerity and effectiveness of these measures. Experts from the National Institute of Mental Health have also testified about the potential harms of excessive social media use among adolescents.
As the trial progresses, it is poised to set a precedent for how technology companies are held accountable for the social consequences of their products. Zuckerberg’s testimony marks a rare moment where a tech titan is directly confronted in court over the societal costs of digital innovation.
The outcome could influence future legislation and regulatory frameworks aimed at curbing the negative effects of social media on children. For now, Zuckerberg’s appearance before the jury has laid bare the challenges of relying on Big Tech to police itself in an era where digital platforms wield enormous influence over young lives.
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