In a watershed moment for the tech industry, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is set to testify in a landmark social media addiction trial. The trial, which questions whether Meta’s platforms deliberately addict and harm children, marks the first time Zuckerberg will address the safety of his platforms directly before a jury.
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The trial comes on the heels of growing concerns about the impact of social media on mental health, particularly among young users. A now 20-year-old woman has alleged that her early use of social media addicted her to the technology and exacerbated depression and suicidal thoughts. Zuckerberg is expected to face tough questions from attorneys representing the woman, shedding light on Meta’s practices and policies.
Zuckerberg’s testimony follows that of Adam Mosseri, the head of Meta’s Instagram, who appeared in court last week. The trial is seen as a pivotal moment that could reshape the regulation and oversight of online platforms, especially concerning their impact on vulnerable populations like children and teenagers.
In response to these concerns, some countries are considering drastic measures. In Germany, prominent politician Friedrich Merz has expressed openness to a social media ban for minors, citing worries about the potential harm excessive screen time could have on childhood development and mental health. Meanwhile, Gabon has suspended some social media platforms, citing threats to security and stability posed by online content.
As Zuckerberg takes the stand in this historic trial, the tech industry and policymakers worldwide are closely watching the proceedings. The outcome of this trial could have far-reaching implications for the future of social media regulation and the ethical considerations surrounding technology use.
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References:
1. “Zuckerberg to testify in landmark social media addiction trial” – The Straits Times (https://www.straitstimes.com/world/united-states/zuckerberg-to-testify-in-landmark-social-media-addiction-trial)
2. “Meta’s Zuckerberg to testify in social media addiction trial” – France 24 (https://www.france24.com/en/video/20260218-meta-s-zuckerberg-to-testify-in-social-media-addiction-trial)
3. “Mark Zuckerberg Set To Testify In Watershed Social Media Trial” – NDTV (https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/mark-zuckerberg-set-to-testify-in-watershed-social-media-trial-11052151)
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