Instagram Accused of Luring Children Into Social Media Addiction; CEO Denies Allegations in Court | WPN World People News

Media reports say that the CEO of Instagram (IG), Adam Mosseri, appeared in a California court in the United States on the 11th to testify, denying allegations that the platform may have lured users—particularly children—into addiction. The case stems from a complaint filed by a 20-year-old woman, Kaley G.M., who claims she became addicted to Instagram as a child, resulting in severe psychological harm.

According to the reports, Mosseri argued that a balance must be struck between safety and freedom of expression, and that Instagram is working to ensure safety while minimizing censorship. He also stated that when Kaley first used Instagram, the platform was smaller and posed a lower risk of addiction than it does today. Mosseri emphasized the importance of distinguishing between addiction and problematic use. For example, staying up late one night binge-watching a series on Netflix should not be considered an addiction.

The reports further note that Instagram and Facebook’s parent company Meta, as well as YouTube, owned by Google, are currently facing hundreds of lawsuits. They are accused of designing addictive content that harms young people, leading to depression, eating disorders, mental illness, hospitalization, and even suicide. Whether Instagram intentionally designed its platform to make children addicted could set an important legal precedent.