Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram took the witness stand in Oakland this week as Meta defends itself in a high-profile court battle over child safety. The proceedings are being held at the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building & United States Courthouse in California, where four states have brought claims accusing the company of designing its services to keep young users engaged and of misleading the public about associated risks.
Plaintiffs allege that the features and algorithms behind Facebook and Instagram were engineered to create strong user dependence among minors and that the company minimized or obscured evidence about harms. The lawsuit frames those accusations as violations of consumer protection and other state laws and seeks remedies that could range from monetary penalties to changes in product practices. The case highlights tensions between platform design, user attention and protections for underage users within the broader social media landscape.
On the stand, Adam Mosseri presented the company’s response to the claims, addressing questions about product development and the firm’s stated commitments to safety. His testimony formed part of Meta’s effort to rebut assertions that the company intentionally prioritized engagement over wellbeing. Courtroom exchanges focused on the design of features accessible to younger audiences and on what the company communicated publicly about potential risks.
The trial will determine whether the plaintiffs can establish legal liability under the statutes they invoked and what remedies, if any, the court should order. Observers note the case could influence how state authorities approach large technology platforms and the obligations those companies face with respect to minors. The litigation underscores ongoing scrutiny of industry practices as policymakers and courts weigh legal responsibilities tied to digital products used by children.
