What made judge very angry with executives who accompanied Mark Zuckerberg to court for social media trial
Times of India
by TOI TECH DESKFebruary 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook and CEO of Meta, appeared before a Los Angeles Superior Court last week to testify in a high-profile trial examining the impact of social media on young users. The proceedings took an unexpected turn when Judge Carolyn Kuhl became visibly angered by several of Zuckerberg’s executives, who were spotted wearing Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses inside the courtroom. These glasses, equipped with cameras and speakers, raised concerns about potential recording of sensitive testimony without court approval. Kuhl sternly warned the aides to either delete any recordings or face serious consequences for contempt of court.
The trial itself is focused on allegations that social media platforms, including Meta and YouTube, contribute to issues like social media addiction among young users. Zuckerberg’s presence in court drew significant media attention, with cameras and reporters swarming around him as he was escorted inside by his team. The executives accompanying him were seen wearing the Wayfarer version of the Ray-Ban Meta glasses, which lack a built-in display interface but still pose privacy risks due to their recording capabilities.
The incident highlights the growing concerns about wearable technology in courtrooms and its potential to disrupt judicial processes. While Meta’s smart glasses have gained commercial traction—reportedly selling 7 million units since their release—they also raise ethical questions about privacy and misuse. Earlier attempts at similar technologies, like Google Glass, faced criticism for their ability to record without consent, and recent incidents, such as a University of San Francisco student warning about inappropriate behavior involving the glasses, further underscore these worries.
As the trial continues into March, the focus remains on both Meta and YouTube’s role in addressing the societal impact of their platforms. Meanwhile, Meta is reportedly exploring advanced features for its smart glasses, including facial recognition technology, which could raise even more legal and ethical dilemmas. The case not only sheds light on the broader implications of AI-driven wearable tech but also reflects ongoing tensions between innovation and privacy in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/24/2026