META KNEW OF CHILD SAFETY RISKS, WHISTLEBLOWER TELLS COURT

Meta adopted a "don't ask, don't tell" approach to child safety on its platforms, according to Béjar's testimony during the ongoing trial. The former engineer stated the company possessed clear knowledge that its social media products caused measurable harm to children but chose not to act. Béjar, who worked as a safety engineer at Meta, presented evidence that the company was aware of the risks yet failed to implement necessary protections. His account directly contradicts public statements made by CEO Mark Zuckerberg regarding the company's commitment to child safety. The testimony centers on Meta's Instagram and Facebook platforms, which face mounting criticism over their impact on young users' mental health and wellbeing. Béjar's claims suggest the company had internal documentation showing these risks but proceeded without adequate safeguards. This trial marks a significant legal challenge to Meta's conduct. Whistleblower testimony carries particular weight in cases involving corporate accountability, as it comes from individuals with direct knowledge of internal operations and decision-making processes. The case reflects broader regulatory pressure on social media companies regarding child protection. Lawmakers and regulators globally have intensified scrutiny of platforms' practices toward minors, citing concerns about mental health impacts, data privacy, and addictive design features. Meta has faced multiple investigations and lawsuits related to child safety. The company has previously been required to pay substantial settlements and implement policy changes, though critics argue these measures remain insufficient. Béjar's testimony provides regulators and plaintiffs with credible accounts of Meta's internal awareness of harms. His willingness to testify publicly underscores the case's significance and raises questions about corporate responsibility in the tech industry. The trial outcome could set precedent for how tech companies are held accountable for products' effects on vulnerable users, particularly children.