Tech CEOs Zuckerberg, Mosseri, Spiegel Ordered to Testify in Landmark Social Media Addiction Trial

Judge Orders Compulsory Testimony in Social Media Safety Case

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Instagram chief Adam Mosseri and Snap CEO Evan Spiegel have been ordered to testify in an upcoming trial examining social media addiction and platform safety, according to reports from CNBC. The Los Angeles Superior Court ruling mandates the executives’ appearance in proceedings scheduled to begin in January, marking a significant development in the ongoing legal scrutiny of social media companies’ practices.

Judge Orders Compulsory Testimony in Social Media Safety Case
Judicial Rationale for CEO Testimony
Landmark Nature of January Trial
Company Responses and Legal Arguments
Broader Industry Implications

Judicial Rationale for CEO Testimony

Judge Carolyn B. Kuhl’s ruling emphasized the unique relevance of executive testimony in cases involving platform safety. Sources indicate the judge wrote that “the testimony of a CEO is uniquely relevant, as that officer’s knowledge of harms, and failure to take available steps to avoid such harms could establish negligence or ratification of negligent conduct.” This legal reasoning suggests the court views firsthand executive knowledge as crucial to determining whether companies adequately addressed potential platform risks.

Landmark Nature of January Trial

Analysts suggest the January trial represents a watershed moment for social media litigation, as it’s reportedly the first of numerous lawsuits alleging harms to young social media users to reach trial stage. The case is expected to be closely monitored by legal experts, technology companies, and consumer protection advocates alike, potentially establishing important precedents for how courts handle similar claims against social media platforms.

Company Responses and Legal Arguments

According to reports, lawyers representing Meta and Snap had previously argued against compelling their executives’ testimony. Meta’s legal team reportedly contended that forcing testimony from Zuckerberg and Mosseri would “set a precedent” for future trials involving technology executives. The company currently faces multiple lawsuits concerning alleged harms to younger users across its platforms.

Snap, through its representing law firm, issued a statement indicating the judge’s order “does not bear at all on the validity of Plaintiffs claims.” The statement further expressed that the company “look forward to the opportunity to explain why Plaintiffs’ allegations against Snapchat are wrong factually and as a matter of law.”

Broader Industry Implications

The compelled testimony of three prominent tech CEOs signals increasing judicial scrutiny of social media platforms’ responsibility for user wellbeing, particularly regarding younger demographics. Legal observers suggest this case could influence how courts handle similar allegations against other social media companies and establish important parameters for executive accountability in technology safety matters.

Neither Meta nor Snap immediately responded to requests for comment regarding the ruling, according to reports. The January trial is expected to address fundamental questions about platform design, user protection, and corporate responsibility in the social media ecosystem.