Mark Zuckerberg Should be Arrested for Endangering Children

Should Mark Zuckerberg face legal consequences for the dangers his platforms pose to millions of minors? This question is central to a civil lawsuit filed last month against major social media companies, claiming that these platforms deliberately foster addiction among adolescents. The case has been progressing through courts since 2022, but recent filings have revealed alarming allegations specifically targeting Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram.

The plaintiffs argue that Meta was fully aware its platforms harmed young users, contributing to worsening mental health issues. Internal company reports reportedly showed exposure to content related to eating disorders, self-harm, and sexual abuse, yet Meta allegedly failed to act. A 2021 survey within the company found that over 8% of users aged 1315 had seen peers threaten or engage in self-harm within a week on Instagram.

Evidence suggests that Meta understood the addictive nature of its products. Internal messages from a user-experience researcher reportedly described Instagram as "a drug," acknowledging the companys role in encouraging dependency. Plaintiffs also claim Meta knew that adults were using the platforms to contact minors inappropriately. One audit revealed that Instagram recommended 1.4 million potentially dangerous adult accounts to teenagers in a single day in 2022.

Instagrams policy on sexual solicitation allegedly allowed users to continue abusive behavior until 17 violations occurred, according to testimony from former safety head Vaishnavi Jayakumar. The lawsuit contends that Meta consciously allowed these risks while ignoring safety recommendations, such as defaulting teenage accounts to private, because of concerns over engagement and growth. This delay, until 2024, allegedly facilitated billions of unsafe interactions between teens and adults.

The lawsuit introduces the acronym "IIC," standing for "inappropriate interactions with children," highlighting the scale of the problem. Plaintiffs suggest that if a platform needs shorthand to track such incidents, corporate accountability is warranted. Legal experts note that state child endangerment laws could apply. For example, Massachusetts law penalizes anyone who recklessly exposes children to significant risk of harm, including sexual abuse, even outside the context of parental responsibility.

Prosecuting Meta executives criminally could provide accountability that civil litigation may fail to achieve. Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act shields social media platforms from civil liability for user content, but it does not protect against criminal charges. Advocates argue that pursuing criminal prosecution could force companies like Meta to prioritize child safety over profit.

With Meta earning over $62 billion in 2024, financial penalties alone may be insufficient. The threat of prison time for executives like Zuckerberg could incentivize meaningful change. Advocates point out that other individuals face incarceration for far less harmful actions affecting children, emphasizing that wealth and status should not exempt corporate leaders from responsibility.

Prosecutors now have a rare opportunity to deliver justice for teenagers allegedly endangered by tech industry practices. If successful, this could mark a significant step toward holding social media giants accountable for the safety of their youngest users.

Author: Logan Reeves