Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, took the stand this week as part of a significant legal battle involving Meta and numerous U.S. states. The lawsuit alleges that Meta’s platforms, specifically Instagram and Facebook, are intentionally designed to be addictive and have contributed to a mental health crisis among teenagers and children.

During his testimony, Mosseri defended the company’s safety record, emphasizing the tools and features Meta has implemented to protect younger users. He argued that the company prioritizes safety and that the platform provides positive experiences for the vast majority of its user base. Conversely, the states involved in the litigation contend that internal company documents suggest Meta was aware of the potential for harm but failed to take sufficient action to mitigate those risks.

While the legal proceedings are ongoing, the case highlights a broader national debate regarding the responsibility of social media giants in regulating content and design choices that impact minors. The outcome of this trial could set a major precedent for how tech companies are held accountable for the psychological well-being of their users. The Independent reports that Mosseri’s testimony is a key component of Meta’s strategy to counter claims that they prioritized growth and engagement metrics over the safety of their youngest demographic.