📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Guillaume Paumier
Technology
Meta and Snap to Face US Trial Over Youth Social Media Addiction, CEOs to Testify
✍️ Asianet Newsable
🗓 29 Oct 2026, 08:35 AM
👁 15
U.S. courts have opened a new lawsuit alleging that Meta and Snap foster addiction among young users, with Mark Zuckerberg and Evan Spiegel slated to testify.
A federal lawsuit filed in the United States claims that Meta Platforms and Snap Inc. have deliberately designed their apps to create addictive experiences for teenagers, violating consumer protection laws. The complaint cites internal research that allegedly shows the companies were aware of the harmful effects of prolonged screen time on youth mental health.
The case is set to proceed to trial later this year, and both Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, and Evan Spiegel, co‑founder and CEO of Snap, have been subpoenaed to appear as witnesses. Their testimony is expected to focus on product design decisions, user‑engagement metrics, and any internal discussions about the impact of their platforms on young users.
Legal experts note that this trial follows a series of high‑profile lawsuits against social‑media firms over similar concerns, and could shape future regulatory actions in the U.S. and abroad. If the plaintiffs succeed, the companies may face significant financial penalties and be required to implement stricter safeguards for minors.
The lawsuit also underscores growing public and governmental scrutiny of digital platforms, as policymakers worldwide debate stricter oversight to curb the perceived harms of social‑media addiction among adolescents.
The case is set to proceed to trial later this year, and both Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, and Evan Spiegel, co‑founder and CEO of Snap, have been subpoenaed to appear as witnesses. Their testimony is expected to focus on product design decisions, user‑engagement metrics, and any internal discussions about the impact of their platforms on young users.
Legal experts note that this trial follows a series of high‑profile lawsuits against social‑media firms over similar concerns, and could shape future regulatory actions in the U.S. and abroad. If the plaintiffs succeed, the companies may face significant financial penalties and be required to implement stricter safeguards for minors.
The lawsuit also underscores growing public and governmental scrutiny of digital platforms, as policymakers worldwide debate stricter oversight to curb the perceived harms of social‑media addiction among adolescents.