Key witness in Meta trial says terms of settlement insufficient to halt apps’ harms to teenagers
Former Meta engineer and whistleblower Arturo Béjar criticized a recent multibillion-dollar settlement between Meta and various U.S. states, arguing it fails to adequately protect teenagers from platform harms. While Meta claims the settlement introduces necessary safety features, critics believe the focus on time limits is insufficient.
Why it matters
The case represents a significant legal battle over the responsibility of social media companies for the mental health impacts of their products on minors.
Arturo Béar, a former Meta engineer, leaves the courthouse in Oakland, California, on 19 August 2026./Getty Images Arturo Béar, a former Meta engineer, leaves the courthouse in Oakland, California, on 19 August 2026./Getty Images Technology Key witness in Meta trial says terms of settlement insufficient to halt apps’ harms to teenagers Exclusive: Arturo Béjar, an ex-Facebook employee and whistleblower, said outcome ‘is not an all clear to say the product is safe’
Meta agrees to major changes to Facebook and Instagram in settlement
Prefer the Guardian on Google The star witness in the US government’s landmark trial against Meta believes that a multibillion-dollar settlement reached on Wednesday does not go far enough to stop the social media giant’s harms to young users.
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