Mark Zuckerberg said very little on his first day of testimony-but the fact he's here at all is a major moment

"The social media trial brought by a 20-year-old Californian plaintiff known as Kaley or KGM, putting Meta and YouTube in front of a jury, has captured the world's attention. The bellwether trial is a test case for the liability of social media platforms and how much they could be on the hook financially if found to have caused harm to their users. KGM, for her part, alleges that she faced anxiety, depression, and body image issues after using Instagram."

"The proceedings could establish the first real legal boundaries for what has been up to now largely unregulated algorithmic design, determining whether amplifying harmful content amounts to negligence. A verdict against Meta or YouTube in this bellwether case could open the door to other suits, and finally force disclosure of internal research that has so far remained confidential. The first day that Mark Zuckerberg, Meta's CEO, was on the stand on February 18 was a major moment-not necessarily for what Zuckerberg said,"

"While Zuckerberg withstood rigorous questioning from Mark Lanier, the lawyer representing Kaley GM, the fact that he was there at all and the case got to trial is a significant happening. As Fast Company has previously reported, 2026 is the year that the world is getting tough on online safety, particularly for kids. And this trial is notable because it managed to sidestep the usual way social networks swerve liability: Claiming Section 230 protections, which have been in place since the mid-1990s and insulate platforms"

A 20-year-old Californian plaintiff known as Kaley or KGM has put Meta and YouTube on trial, alleging anxiety, depression, and body-image problems after using Instagram. The bellwether case tests whether algorithmic product design that amplifies harmful content can amount to negligence and create financial liability for platforms. A verdict against either company could trigger further suits and force disclosure of previously confidential internal research. Mark Zuckerberg's testimony highlighted the trial's seriousness and the possibility of executives being called to account. The case avoided typical Section 230 defenses and could begin to chip away at long-standing legal shields for big tech.

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