Ex-Meta Director Testifies Instagram Prioritized Profit Over Child Safety
A former Meta engineering director testified in a federal trial that Instagram adopted a "don't ask, don't tell" approach regarding underage users, prioritizing profit over child safety. The lawsuit, filed by four states, accuses Meta of designing addictive features and…
Fort Myers Naples, FL, August 19, 2026 —
In a federal trial concerning allegations of harm to young users, a former Meta engineering director has testified that Instagram operated under a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy concerning underage individuals on the platform. The executive’s testimony suggests that the company’s focus was on profitability rather than the safety of its youngest users.
The testimony comes as part of a lawsuit initiated by four states against Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Instagram and Facebook. The plaintiffs accuse Meta of intentionally designing features intended to be addictive and of concealing the detrimental effects these features have on the mental well-being of children.
The core of the lawsuit revolves around claims that Meta’s algorithms and platform design have prioritized user engagement and, consequently, advertising revenue, above the psychological health and safety of minors. The “don’t ask, don’t tell” approach, as described by the former director, implies a deliberate avoidance of direct engagement with or enforcement regarding underage users, allowing their presence and engagement to continue unchecked.
Attorneys for the states argue that Meta was aware of the risks associated with its platforms for adolescents, including increased rates of anxiety, depression, and body image issues. The lawsuit further alleges that the company actively worked to hide these harms from the public and regulators, prioritizing its business interests. The testimony of the former engineering director is seen as a key piece of evidence in substantiating these claims.
Meta has previously denied these allegations, asserting that the company invests heavily in safety features and tools to support teens and families. However, the ongoing trial is expected to scrutinize the company’s internal practices and decision-making processes regarding user safety, particularly for its younger demographic.
The legal proceedings aim to establish whether Meta’s design choices and disclosure practices constitute a breach of duty or a violation of consumer protection laws. The outcome of the trial could have significant implications for how social media companies are held accountable for the impact of their platforms on young users.
Story summarized from the original created by AP on apnews.com, see more information here.
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