The executive that helped build Meta’s ad machine is trying to expose it
The Verge
February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Brian Boland, a former executive at Meta, revealed how the company's ad-driven system prioritized growth over safety. During testimony in a California court, Boland explained that Meta's platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, were designed to attract more users, particularly teenagers, despite known risks to their mental health. This came during a high-profile trial where Meta and YouTube are being sued for allegedly contributing to the harm of a young woman.
Boland’s testimony followed Mark Zuckerberg’s appearance on the stand, where the Meta CEO framed the company’s mission as balancing safety with free expression rather than focusing solely on revenue. Boland’s role in building Meta’s ad machine gave him unique insights into how the platforms’ algorithms and features were shaped by financial goals. His detailed account highlighted how user engagement metrics, such as time spent on the app, became central to the company’s strategy.
The case has significant implications for tech companies and their responsibility in designing platforms that prioritize profit over user well-being. Boland’s testimony underscores the internal pressures within Meta to maximize ad revenue, even when potential harm was foreseeable. This trial could set a precedent for how social media giants are held accountable for the mental health impacts of their products.
For readers interested in tech and consumer rights, this story reveals critical insights into how major platforms operate and the ethical dilemmas they face. It also raises questions about transparency and responsibility in the tech industry, particularly as regulators and users demand more accountability from companies like Meta.
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Originally published on The Verge on 2/19/2026