In a landmark trial underway in Los Angeles, a California woman, Kaley G.M. in court, is testifying about the detrimental effects of using Meta Platforms’ Instagram and Google’s YouTube on her mental health.

Starting using Instagram at the age of 9 and YouTube at 6, Kaley claims that these platforms contributed to her depression and body dysmorphia.

Her lawyers argue that the companies knowingly profited from hooking young children on the platforms, despite evidence showing serious harm endured by addicted users, Reuters reported.

On the same grounds, countries like Australia have already banned these platforms for young users, while others are considering similar measures.

The initial phases of the trial were based on what Meta and YouTube knew about the impact of their platforms on young users, with CEO Mark Zuckerberg acknowledging discussions about products for children that were never launched. Now, the focus has reportedly shifted to Kaley’s personal experiences and how these services affected her life.

To succeed in her case, Kaley’s lawyers are bound to demonstrate that the design and operation of these platforms contributed to her mental health issues.

Evidence presented before the jury includes a Meta internal study indicating that teens facing challenging life circumstances often reported habitual use of Instagram.

Autoplay videos and endless scrolling are the notable features highlighted by Kaley’s lawyer, which are said to encourage excessive use. YouTube’s legal team pointed out that Kaley did not utilise available protective features.

The outcome of the case is likely to have serious repercussions for social media regulation and child safety.

• Rawalpindi, Peshawar also experience tremors. 
• Shocks felt in Bajaur, Swabi, nearby localities.
• No immediate reports of casualties or damage.
  

An earthquake measuring 5.6 magnitude on the Richter scale struck parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Islamabad and Rawalpindi on Wednesday, causing panic among residents in several localities.

According to the seismological centre, the quake originated in the Hindukush region of Afghanistan and was recorded at a depth of 114 kilometres.

Tremors were felt in major cities such as Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Swabi and its outskirts.

Shocks were also felt in Bajaur, Diamer city and nearby localities. There were no immediate reports of casualties or property damage.

The latest tremors come just days after a quake of similar magnitude struck parts of KP and Punjab.

On February 20, the seismological centre reported a 5.6-magnitude earthquake that jolted both provinces, with tremors felt across several cities, including Peshawar and Islamabad. The epicentre was located in Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region at a depth of 73 kilometres, according to officials.

Pakistan’s vulnerability to earthquakes is largely due to its position along the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it one of the most seismically active regions in the world.

The country has witnessed several devastating earthquakes in recent decades. The 2005 quake in Azad Kashmir killed over 73,000 people and left millions homeless. Balochistan also suffered in 2021, when a quake in Harnai killed at least 20 people and hampered rescue operations due to landslides.

Experts warn that the rugged terrain of Pakistan’s earthquake-prone areas complicates relief efforts and makes preparedness critical. The recent tremors in KP and Punjab serve as a reminder of the ongoing seismic threat in the region.