Denied that Instagram is inherently addictive in a clinical or legal sense.

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Here’s a **summary of what Mark Zuckerberg actually said today while testifying in the major social-media addiction trial in Los Angeles — based on multiple news reports from today (Feb 18, 2026):

🧑‍⚖️ Why he’s on the stand

Zuckerberg was testifying in a civil trial in California where a woman (identified as KGM, now 20) claims that features on Meta’s platforms — especially Instagram and YouTube — were designed to be addictive and harmed her mental health when she used them as a child. The case could influence hundreds of similar lawsuits. 

🗣️ Key points from his testimony

🔹 On whether social media is addictive

When asked if Instagram is addictive, Zuckerberg did not agree with the claim that it necessarily is addictive, saying it was not clear that “addiction” applied in the legal context. 

🔹 On protecting children

He said Meta does not allow users under age 13, but acknowledged it has been challenging to enforce age limits because some users lie about their age.  Zuckerberg said he “regretted” that progress identifying and blocking under-13 users was slow — suggesting the company is improving age-verification efforts now. 

🔹 On time spent and engagement metrics

He denied that Meta currently sets goals to increase users’ time spent on apps, saying the company focuses on creating value for users and that higher use is a by-product of users finding something valuable. 

🔹 On company responsibility

Zuckerberg told the court he believes a reasonable company should try to “help people who use its services” rather than take advantage of them.  He pushed back when the plaintiff’s lawyer characterised his past congressional testimony or internal documents as misleading — saying he disagreed with those characterisations. 

🔹 On personal charitable pledges

He mentioned that he has pledged to give “almost all” his money to charity and scientific research, framing it as part of his personal approach to the company’s success. 

🧠 What the trial focuses on

Unlike other cases that were dismissed under U.S. law — Section 230 — this lawsuit focuses on platform design and features (like algorithms, infinite scroll and filters), rather than user-generated content. If Zuckerberg’s company loses, it could force companies to change core product features or face financial penalties. 

📌 In short

Zuckerberg:

Denied that Instagram is inherently addictive in a clinical or legal sense. Said the company is working on better protections for under-age users. Repeated that Meta targets useful engagement, not addiction. Distanced himself from internal documents that plaintiffs say show prioritisation of time on app.

Acknowledged the company could have moved faster on child safety.