News / US / cnbc
Instagram Head Adam Mosseri Denies Directing Staff to Conceal Data in Ongoing Meta Trial
Technology Services · Internet Software/Services · cnbc · 2026-08-25
META, GOOGL
Instagram chief Adam Mosseri testified in court, denying allegations that he instructed employees to hide safety research regarding teen mental health.
What Happened
Testimony and Allegations: Instagram head Adam Mosseri appeared in federal court to address claims that Meta executives intentionally withheld internal research concerning child safety and mental health. During his testimony, Mosseri denied directing staff to hide information, asserting that legal reviews of research were standard practice rather than an attempt to mislead the public.
Legal Context: The trial involves a coalition of 29 state attorneys general who allege that Meta violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act and various consumer protection laws. The plaintiffs are seeking substantial penalties, potentially reaching $200 billion, based on claims that the company misrepresented the safety of its platforms for minors.
Internal Policy Changes: Mosseri acknowledged that Meta restricted access to certain internal research following the 2021 document leaks by whistleblower Frances Haugen. He defended this decision as a necessary measure to prevent information from being taken out of context, rather than an effort to suppress findings regarding youth mental health harms.
Company Defense: Meta continues to deny the allegations brought forward by the attorney general coalition, maintaining that its internal research was handled appropriately. Mosseri also rejected the characterization that the company downsized its youth mental health research team, stating that the department was merely centralized for better oversight.