Zuckerberg and Spiegel to Testify in LA Trial Over Teen Social Media Claims
A Los Angeles jury will decide if features like Snapstreaks and push notifications caused mental health damage to two teenage girls.
By Nadia Singh ·
Jury selection begins Wednesday at Los Angeles Superior Court in a lawsuit filed by two teenage girls against Meta and Snap. The plaintiffs allege that specific app features were designed to hook young users, leading to severe mental health issues. This case is the latest in a series of high-stakes legal battles over social media design.
The complaint focuses on an 18-year-old from Mississippi, identified as K.D.B. She claims compulsive use of Snapchat and Instagram contributed to depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts. The plaintiffs' lawyers state that the addictive qualities of the products and their harmful algorithms are not fully understood by minor users or their parents.
Key executives are expected to take the stand in November. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Snap CEO Evan Spiegel, and Instagram executive Adam Mosseri are scheduled to testify. Their accounts will be central to the defense's argument regarding how the platforms were built and maintained.
Snap disputes the narrative of the lawsuit. A spokesperson told ABC News that the allegations misrepresent the plaintiffs' experiences. The company notes that Snapchat opens to a camera rather than a traditional feed or social comparison metrics. They argue that the platform includes safeguards, safety tools, and educational resources that prioritize the community.
Meta pushed back against the claim that it fails to protect young users. A Meta spokesperson said a young person's mental health is shaped by many factors. They noted that the plaintiff used TikTok more than Instagram or Facebook. The company highlighted its agreement with 52 bipartisan attorneys general, which includes strict time limits, no access at night, and no notifications during school hours.
This trial follows a similar case in the same courtroom earlier this year. In March, a jury sided with plaintiff K.G.M. against Meta and YouTube, awarding $6 million in damages. That decision is currently under appeal. Snap and TikTok settled their portions of that earlier case before a verdict was reached.
Meta has reached other major agreements this year. In August, the company settled with 48 states for up to $18 billion. That deal requires changes to apps for young users, including setting time limits, disabling some filters, and hiding like counts. Meta did not admit wrongdoing in that settlement and is now calling for other companies to adopt similar safety standards.
