Core Insights - WhatsApp, owned by Meta Platforms, is introducing parent-managed accounts for pre-teens, allowing restricted messaging and calling features to address safety concerns regarding children's use of social media and chat apps [1] Technology - The initiative follows global concerns about the impact of social media on children, with countries like Australia implementing social media bans for teenagers due to mental health issues [1] - Parent-managed accounts will feature strict default settings, parental controls, and options for parents to oversee their children's messaging experiences [1] - Parents will have the ability to control who can contact the account, manage group memberships, review message requests from unknown contacts, and adjust privacy settings [1]

Mark Zuckerberg is set to testify today in a high-profile social media trial in downtown LA. Our Julia Bon is there and has more in today's Tech Check. Morning, Julia.>> That's right. Mark Zuckerberg is expected to arrive here any minute and then to take the stand at the top of the hour at 9:00 a. m.Pacific noon Eastern. And he'll face tough questions about whether Meta designed features to be addictive and new about the negative impact of their features on kids and teens. Now, this will be the first time t ...

Core Viewpoint - The trial involving Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is a significant moment for the social media industry, drawing comparisons to the "Big Tobacco" era, focusing on the alleged addiction to social media and its mental health impacts on young users [1]. Group 1: Trial Details - The trial began in late January and centers on a young woman claiming addiction to social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube [1]. - Lawyers for the plaintiff argue that Meta, YouTube, TikTok, and Snap misled the public regarding the safety of their services and were aware that their app designs caused mental health issues for young users [2]. - Snap and TikTok settled with the plaintiff before the trial commenced [2]. Group 2: Company Responses - Meta has denied the allegations, with a spokesperson stating that the jury must determine if Instagram significantly contributed to the plaintiff's mental health issues [3]. - Instagram's chief, Adam Mosseri, testified that while problematic usage of social media exists, it should not be equated with clinical addiction [3]. - Mosseri acknowledged that excessive use of Instagram can be a personal issue, suggesting that the definition of "too much" is subjective [4].