A federal judge in California, Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, has denied a motion by Meta to dismiss a lawsuit filed by attorneys general from 29 states regarding the company's social media platforms.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the lawsuit alleges that Meta intentionally designed its Facebook and Instagram platforms to create addictive behaviors in children and concealed these risks from the public.
The court has authorized the investigation of allegations concerning deceptive practices, unethical conduct, and potential violations of the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). The judge ruled that the issue of whether Meta complied with federal laws regarding parental consent and notification requirements should proceed for further examination.
Attorneys general argue that excessive use of Facebook and Instagram can lead to depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, educational difficulties, and even suicidal ideation among children and adolescents. California Attorney General Rob Bonta described the ruling as a significant step toward holding Meta accountable for the crisis surrounding children's mental health.
Meta has denied the allegations, maintaining that its platforms are designed for a general audience and do not target children under the age of 13. The company further stated that "social media addiction" is not a recognized medical diagnosis and indicated it would continue to defend its position in court.
According to Judge Rogers' 38-page ruling, a jury will determine whether Facebook and Instagram were intentionally designed to foster addiction and whether the company engaged in deceptive practices toward its users.
This case is part of a broader legal process involving over 2,600 lawsuits against major platforms, including Google, YouTube, Snapchat, and TikTok. The trial is scheduled to begin on August 18.
Legal pressure on Meta is not limited to the United States; investigations into the impact of social media platforms on minors are also underway in the European Union and Australia, reflecting a growing global concern regarding digital safety for younger users.
