Mark Zuckerberg is trying to wiggle out of testifying in person at a slew of social media trials

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Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg Attempts to Avoid In-Person Testimony in Social Media Addiction Trials

Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, is seeking to avoid testifying in person at upcoming trials focusing on social media addiction, drawing criticism from plaintiffs involved in the cases, as reported by The Post.

The parent company of Instagram is set to appear in California federal court as part of multidistrict litigation involving over 2,400 lawsuits filed by various entities. The first trial, filed by Breathitt County School District in Kentucky, is scheduled for June 12. Meta has argued that Zuckerberg should only testify in person once, with subsequent trials relying on a recorded testimony.

Plaintiffs have objected to this approach, stating that it unfairly favors Zuckerberg while prejudicing thousands of other plaintiffs. Attorney Previn Warren criticized Zuckerberg for attempting to evade accountability, emphasizing that his status should not exempt him from testifying in each trial.

While some state attorneys general have allowed Zuckerberg to testify via video deposition, Warren is advocating for case-by-case testimony for school districts. US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers is expected to rule on Meta’s request soon.

Meta is facing numerous lawsuits alleging that its apps have contributed to a teen mental health crisis. Recent losses in court have raised concerns for the company, including a $375 million penalty in New Mexico and a $6 million verdict in Los Angeles.

Experts suggest that live testimony from Zuckerberg could impact the trials, as it humanizes tech executives and allows for real-time cross-examination. While Meta argues for recorded testimony, the value of live testimony remains significant in civil cases.

Meta’s attorneys have been aggressive in protecting Zuckerberg from personal exposure, even attempting to block questions about his personal wealth during trials. The ongoing legal battles highlight the complexities of holding tech companies accountable for their role in societal issues.