Zuckerberg Testimony Reveals Outreach to Apple’s Cook Amid Social Media Safety Trial
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, that he contacted Apple CEO Tim Cook to discuss the “wellbeing of teens and kids,” as part of a landmark social media safety trial in Los Angeles Superior Court. The trial, likened to the social media industry’s “Big Tobacco” moment, centers on allegations of harm caused by platforms like Instagram.
Zuckerberg’s Communication with Cook
Zuckerberg revealed the outreach stemmed from an email exchange with Cook in February 2018, where he saw “opportunities that our company and Apple could be doing.” He stated, “I care about the wellbeing of teens and kids who are using our services.” The defense presented this communication as evidence of Zuckerberg’s proactive approach to user safety, contrasting with claims made by opposing counsel.
Focus on Instagram Filters and User Engagement
The trial has also focused on Instagram’s beauty filters and their potential impact on young users. Instagram chief Adam Mosseri previously testified about these filters. Zuckerberg stated that Meta consulted with stakeholders regarding their use, but did not specify who those stakeholders were. He defended the decision to allow the filters, citing a commitment to “free expression,” even after receiving feedback from experts, including a University of Chicago study involving 18 experts, who warned of potential harm to teenage girls.
Internal Disagreements and Causation Concerns
Zuckerberg acknowledged internal disagreements within Meta regarding the filters, noting that many employees hold differing opinions, which the company encourages. He also expressed skepticism about definitively linking the filters to harm, stating there wasn’t enough “causal evidence” to support the experts’ assertions. He admitted he does not have a college degree in a field that would indicate expertise in causation, but believes he has a “pretty good idea of how statistics function.”
Engagement Metrics and Age Verification
Lawyers questioned Zuckerberg about internal documents suggesting a focus on increasing user engagement, citing goals to reach 40 minutes of daily engagement in 2023 and 46 minutes in 2026. Zuckerberg clarified that these were internal milestones used to measure against competitors and “deliver the results we want to see.” He also addressed concerns about underage users on the platform, stating that Meta removes identified users under 13, despite acknowledging that some users lie about their age during sign-up. He suggested that age verification is better handled by companies like Apple and Google, which control mobile operating systems and app stores.
AI Glasses and Contempt of Court
During the testimony, Judge Carolyn B. Kuhl threatened to hold anyone using AI smart glasses in contempt of court, after members of Zuckerberg’s security team were observed wearing Meta Ray-Ban AI glasses. Recording is prohibited in the courtroom.
Broader Legal Challenges for Meta
The Los Angeles trial is one of several legal battles facing Meta. The company is also involved in a trial in Fresh Mexico, where the state’s attorney general alleges Meta failed to protect children from online predators. Another trial is expected in California this summer, alleging detrimental mental health effects on young users. Snap and TikTok settled with the plaintiff before the trial began. Meta denies the allegations, stating the central question for the jury is whether Instagram was a substantial factor in the plaintiff’s mental health struggles.