Meta deliberately hooks children to platforms, ex-director says

A California federal court heard explosive testimony on Thursday from a former Meta insider who accused the social media giant of knowingly engineering its platforms to create dependency among young users. Arturo Bejar, who served as Meta's Director of Engineering, spoke as a witness in the ongoing lawsuit filed against the company over allegations that it harms children's mental health.

Addiction by design, witness alleges

Bejar claimed that Meta's much-touted "take a break" feature was deliberately designed to fail. According to his testimony, the tool was not offered as a default setting, and its reminders could be easily dismissed by users, rendering it largely ineffective. He further alleged that although Meta possesses the technological capability to identify millions of users under the age of 13, the company deliberately turns a blind eye through a "don't ask, don't tell" policy, prioritising long-term financial gains over protecting minors.

Zuckerberg's role under scrutiny

Bejar also stated that Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is personally involved in many key decision-making processes, suggesting that the company's approach to child safety reflects leadership choices at the highest level. The former executive's testimony paints a picture of a corporate culture where user welfare takes a backseat to engagement metrics and revenue growth.

Legal battle continues

The lawsuit, being heard before Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland, is expected to span several weeks. Meta officials have consistently denied the allegations, maintaining that they prioritise safety across their platforms. The case has drawn significant attention from child advocacy groups and regulators worldwide, where digital safety concerns have increasingly become a focus of public discourse. As the trial unfolds, the testimony of insiders like Bejar could prove pivotal in determining whether Meta faces liability for its impact on young users.