Judge Scolds Zuckerberg's Team Over Courtroom Tech Antics

Meta CEO faces landmark trial over social media addiction claims

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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A California judge presiding over a landmark trial against Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg scolded his legal team for wearing camera-equipped AI glasses made by his own company inside the courtroom. The judge warned that any recording of the proceedings would be considered contempt of court, as the use of recording devices is prohibited except for authorized court personnel.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing legal and ethical challenges facing tech companies like Meta, as they are increasingly scrutinized over the potential harms of their platforms, especially when it comes to vulnerable users like children. The outcome of this trial could set important precedents for future lawsuits against social media giants.

The details

According to reports, members of Zuckerberg's legal team were spotted wearing Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses, which can capture photos, video, audio, and interact with an AI assistant. The judge, Carolyn Kuhl, immediately ordered anyone wearing such devices to remove them, stating that any technology capable of identifying jurors' identities was banned from the courtroom. A Meta spokesperson claimed the glasses were not used for recording and do not allow for facial recognition.

  • The landmark trial against Zuckerberg and Meta began in February 2026.
  • On the first day of the trial, Zuckerberg appeared in court wearing an ill-fitting navy suit.

The players

Mark Zuckerberg

The CEO of Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms. He is facing a landmark trial over claims that his company's platforms are designed to be addictive and harmful to children.

Judge Carolyn Kuhl

The California judge presiding over the trial against Zuckerberg and Meta, who scolded the company's legal team for wearing camera-equipped AI glasses in the courtroom.

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What they’re saying

“This is very serious”

— Judge Carolyn Kuhl, Presiding Judge (CBS News)

“If you do something that's not good for people, maybe they'll spend more time [on Instagram] short term, but if they're not happy with it, they're not going to use it over time”

— Mark Zuckerberg (The Daily Beast)

What’s next

The outcome of the current case is the first in a consolidated group of cases from 1,600 plaintiffs and could determine how thousands of similar lawsuits against social media giants might play out.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing legal and ethical challenges facing tech companies like Meta, as they are increasingly scrutinized over the potential harms of their platforms, especially when it comes to vulnerable users like children. The outcome of this trial could set important precedents for future lawsuits against social media giants.