Parents whose children died after social media addiction hold a vigil as landmark trial begins. Meanwhile 86 countries sign the Delhi Declaration advocating for inclusive, ethical AI. But are big tech’s leaders listening? Here are my top stories from February.

BBC News

1. Social media’s “Big Tobacco” moment?

Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg and Adam Mosseri testify at a landmark trial in California that assesses the impact of addictive features on teenagers’ mental health. (BBC)

📱 Teen accounts

2. Palantir, Peter Thiel and the Epstein files

The Epstein files connect Palantir, Peter Thiel and Peter Mandelson, exposing the links between technology, extreme wealth and our global political culture. (The Citizens)

🔮 Dark arts

3. Why a social media ban won’t work

Pressure is growing to ban social media for under-16s, but we must better enforce existing laws, limit smartphones and improve our own UK tech instead. (My blog)

👧🏽 Beyond bans

4. What I’ve learned about participatory AI

PAIRS (the Participatory AI Research & Practice Symposium) was a tiny fringe event at India’s huge AI Impact Summit - but its ideas are gaining momentum. (My blog)

🌱 Social studies

5. It’s ok. Moltbook isn’t the Singularity

AI agents discuss religion and consciousness on Moltbook, a new social network - but it’s all a mirage, writes Samuel Woolley, and we humans need to get a grip. (Guardian)

🦞 Bot or not?