Judge Rebukes Zuckerberg’s Team for Wearing Meta Glasses in Social Media Trial
A Californian judge recently criticized Mark Zuckerberg’s team for wearing Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses, equipped with cameras, as they entered a Los Angeles courtroom. This incident occurred during a significant trial focusing on the effects of social media on children.
Judge’s Warning About Camera Use
Judge Carolyn Kuhl expressed her disapproval, explicitly stating that if any recordings were made, the team must dispose of them. She warned, “I will hold you in contempt,” according to technology journalist Jacob Ward, who described this incident as an “extraordinary misstep” by Meta.
Trial Context
The courtroom incident took place amidst a trial examining allegations that both Meta and Alphabet-owned YouTube have designed their platforms to foster compulsive usage among young users. The plaintiff, referred to as “KGM,” claims early social media exposure led to addiction and negative impacts on her mental health.
Courtroom Regulations on Recording Devices
In Los Angeles County Superior Court, recording devices and cameras are generally prohibited. A spokesperson for the court noted that judicial officers possess the authority to enforce restrictions on video recording and photography within their courtrooms. Judge Kuhl highlighted the seriousness of this matter by ordering the immediate removal of AI glasses, emphasizing that facial recognition technology is forbidden in identifying jurors.
Meta’s AI Glasses
Meta’s glasses, priced between $299 and $799, are specifically designed with built-in cameras capable of both taking photos and recording videos. The use of such technology in the courtroom without prior consent raised significant concerns.
- Incident: Judge reprimands Meta’s team for camera use.
- Trial Focus: Effects of social media on youth mental health.
- Plaintiff: “KGM” alleging addiction due to early social media use.
- Court Rules: Recording devices banned in Los Angeles County Superior Court.
- Meta’s Glasses: Prices range from $299 to $799, equipped with cameras.
This incident emphasizes the stringent regulations surrounding courtroom conduct and the serious implications of technology in legal settings. As the trial progresses, the focus will remain on the impact of social media on young individuals and their mental well-being.
