Meta Took 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Approach on Under-13 Users, Former Engineer Says
· Technology · The Independent, Economic Times, The Hindu
A former Meta engineering director testified in a landmark federal court trial in Oakland, California, that the company adopted a "don't ask, don't tell" policy regarding children under 13 on its platforms. Arturo Béjar told jurors that Meta consistently prioritized user engagement and profits over safety, even when design choices harmed young people's mental well-being. The trial stems from a 2023 lawsuit filed against Meta by attorneys general from California, Colorado, Kentucky, New Jersey, and 25 other states. The complaint accuses the tech giant of intentionally addicting children to features like Instagram and unlawfully gathering data on users under 13 without parental consent. Meta has rejected the allegations, with defense attorneys arguing the company remains dedicated to working with teens and parents to foster safe online environments.
Why it matters
The trial directly challenges major social media business models, potentially forcing sweeping changes to platform design, age verification, and child safety practices across the tech industry.
Read the original report — The Independent
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