Mark Zuckerberg Reveals He Consulted Apple's Tim Cook On Teen Social Media Safety, Hails Free Expression In Court Testimony - Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META)

"Zuckerberg's disclosure came during a high-profile trial in Los Angeles Superior Court, examining social media safety proceedings that some observers are calling the industry's "Big Tobacco" moment. During the trial, defense attorney Paul Schmidt presented an email exchange from February 2018 between Zuckerberg and Cook. In the email, Zuckerberg reportedly expressed his interest in exploring potential safety measures that both Meta and Apple could implement, CNBC reported."

"The disclosure is likely part of a broader legal strategy aimed at highlighting Zuckerberg's proactive efforts to protect young Instagram users, including consulting with a rival company. Zuckerberg faced questions about allowing beauty filters despite expert warnings, including a University of Chicago study, that they harm teenage girls. He said Meta reviewed the concerns but chose to prioritize free expression, later lifting a temporary ban on cosmetic surgery filters without actively promoting them."

"Meanwhile, during Wednesday's hearing, Judge Carolyn B. Kuhl warned she would hold anyone using AI smart glasses during Zuckerberg's testimony in contempt, ordering any recordings deleted. The warning came after members of his team were seen wearing Meta Ray-Ban AI glasses, despite courtroom recording bans. Instagram Addiction Claims Face Scrutiny The Los Angeles trial involves a 17-year-old plaintiff known as "K.G.M," and her mother in 2023, who claim tech companies created addictive features like infinite scroll that harmed her mental health."

Mark Zuckerberg disclosed conversations with Apple CEO Tim Cook about protecting young social media users and presented a February 2018 email indicating interest in joint safety measures. The disclosure appeared in a Los Angeles trial alleging social platforms harmed teens through addictive features. Zuckerberg said Meta reviewed warnings about beauty filters, including a University of Chicago study, but prioritized free expression and lifted a temporary ban on cosmetic surgery filters without promoting them. Judge Carolyn B. Kuhl warned about AI smart glasses in court after team members wore Meta Ray-Ban AI glasses. The suit includes a 17-year-old plaintiff, "K.G.M," who claims infinite scroll harmed her mental health; Instagram's head acknowledged problematic usage but avoided calling it addiction.

Read at Benzinga