Meta is facing a lawsuit by 42 attorneys general from various states over addictive Facebook and Instagram features targeting young users.
The legal challenge signifies a significant bipartisan effort to hold Meta accountable for its business practices.
33 states filed a federal suit against Meta in the Northern District of California, while nine additional attorneys general are filing in their states.
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The attorneys general claim Meta designed Facebook and Instagram to engage youngsters for extended periods.
The platforms employ algorithms, frequent notifications, and infinite scrolling features.
They also allege the company includes features that negatively affect teens’ mental health.
It includes “likes” and photo filters contributing to social comparison and body image issues.
Meta is also accused of violating the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) by collecting personal data from users under 13 without parental consent.
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The states seek to end these practices and demand penalties and restitution.
The attorneys general claim Meta was well aware of the harmful effects its designs could have on children and teens.
They cite internal research documents that were leaked by a whistleblower in 2021.
These documents revealed Meta’s awareness of its products’ negative impact on young users, particularly in terms of body image concerns.
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Industry-wide investigation
The legal action against Meta is part of a broader industry-wide investigation into the practices of social media companies.
The attorneys general are looking into other companies with similar concerns regarding child online safety.
Meta spokesperson Andy Stone said: “We share the attorneys general’s commitment to providing teens with safe, positive experiences online, and have already introduced over 30 tools to support teens and their families.
“We’re disappointed that instead of working productively with companies across the industry to create clear, age-appropriate standards for the many apps teens use, the attorneys general have chosen this path.”
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The bipartisan coalition of attorneys general highlights the widespread concern for consumer protection in the digital age.
President Joe Biden has also highlighted safeguarding children’s safety and mental health online in his State of the Union.
