Global Concerns Rise Over Youth Social Media Use, Zuckerberg Testifies
Mounting anxieties surrounding the impact of social media on young people are prompting legislative action worldwide, with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently facing scrutiny in a U.S. Court. From Australia to Europe and Asia, governments are grappling with how to protect minors from potential harms associated with platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
Regulatory Push Gains Momentum
Australia led the way in December 2023 by implementing a law restricting social media access for individuals under 16.1 This resulted in the deactivation of millions of accounts on platforms including Meta’s Instagram and Facebook, ByteDance’s TikTok, and YouTube. Similar measures are gaining traction in Europe, with France passing a bill to ban social media use for those under 15, and Spain considering a ban for those under 16. Germany’s Christian Democratic Party (CDU) is also discussing age restrictions.
In Asia, Malaysia has already banned social media use for those under 16, and discussions are underway in India. These legislative efforts are fueled by growing concerns about rising rates of teenage depression, anxiety, and self-harm linked to social media use.
Zuckerberg Faces Scrutiny in U.S. Court
On February 18, 2024, Mark Zuckerberg testified in a jury trial in Los Angeles concerning youth social media addiction.4 This marked the first time Zuckerberg has testified in court regarding the mental health impact of social media. Internal Meta documents presented during the trial revealed discussions about attracting teenagers from a young age and data indicating that 4 million children under 13 in the U.S. Were using Instagram.
Some experts have likened the lawsuit to past legal battles against tobacco companies, alleging that social media companies may have known about the harmful effects of their platforms but concealed this information. TikTok and Snapchat previously settled similar lawsuits before trial.4
Korean Response and Debate
Domestically in South Korea, discussions about regulating youth social media use are also emerging. A bill to amend the Information and Communications Network Act, including restrictions for those under 16, is currently pending in the National Assembly. However, given the past experience with the “shutdown system” (game time limit) – which was ultimately abolished – many anticipate a more phased approach, such as strengthening age verification or increasing algorithm transparency.
Reactions from Korean youth are mixed, with some acknowledging the benefits of social media for information access and communication, while also recognizing potential drawbacks like algorithm dependence and exposure to harmful content. Many believe that education or limiting usage time may be more effective than a complete ban, suggesting that teenagers will locate ways to circumvent restrictions regardless.
Meta’s Strategic Partnerships in South Korea
Amidst these global regulatory concerns, Zuckerberg visited South Korea in late February 2024, marking his first trip to the country in approximately 10 years.1 He met with LG Electronics CEO William Cho and Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong to discuss potential collaborations, particularly in extended reality (XR) technologies and AI semiconductors.2 Meta is reportedly seeking to reduce its reliance on NVIDIA for AI chips, and Samsung Foundry may be a potential supplier for chips needed to operate Meta’s large language model, Llama 3.2 LG is also looking to expedite its XR ventures through collaboration with Meta.1
Zuckerberg also met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.1