Los Angeles – Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified in a Los Angeles courtroom on Wednesday, February 19, 2026, defending his company against allegations that Instagram and Facebook are intentionally designed to be addictive, particularly for young users.
The trial centers around claims that Meta knowingly employs techniques to keep users engaged for extended periods, potentially causing harm to their mental health. Zuckerberg appeared to deny these accusations, asserting that Meta does not actively seek to produce its platforms addictive. This case is being closely watched by investors as it could set precedents for social media regulation and liability.
According to reports, Zuckerberg’s testimony focused on the company’s development processes and the rationale behind features designed to enhance user experience. He maintained that the goal is to create compelling products, not to manipulate users. The defense comes amid increasing scrutiny of social media’s impact on youth mental health and growing calls for greater platform accountability.
The proceedings follow the release of internal Meta research that reportedly demonstrates the company’s awareness of the potential for its platforms to be habit-forming. A study highlighted by La Tribune suggests Meta has been aware of these issues for some time.
Zuckerberg’s appearance in court follows similar legal challenges faced by other tech companies regarding the addictive nature of their products. The outcome of this trial could have significant financial and regulatory implications for Meta and the broader social media industry. Boursorama reported that Zuckerberg specifically denied Instagram intentionally targets children.
BFM reported that Zuckerberg arrived at the Los Angeles courthouse on Wednesday to face questioning.
