Judge Allows Lawsuits Against Meta to Proceed

Meta Platforms has suffered a legal setback as both a Massachusetts state court and a federal court in California rejected its motions to dismiss lawsuits alleging that its social media platforms, particularly Instagram and Facebook, contribute to mental health issues among teenagers. These lawsuits, supported by over 30 states, claim that Meta designed addictive features and misled the public about the risks associated with its platforms. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers allowed many consumer protection claims to proceed, emphasizing Meta's alleged deceptive practices regarding the harmful effects on minors. The lawsuits also assert violations of the Children’s Online Privacy and Protection Act (COPPA) for improperly collecting data from children under 13. Attorney General Josh Stein expressed satisfaction with the court's decision, vowing to continue efforts to hold Meta accountable for its impact on youth. The ongoing litigation signifies a broader scrutiny of tech companies regarding their responsibility toward younger users' mental health and safety.