Meta Faces Lawsuits on Teen Addiction Nationwide

Meta Platforms faces multiple lawsuits as judges in both Massachusetts and California have ruled against dismissing claims that the company designed its social media platforms to addict young users, affecting their mental health. Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell's lawsuit alleges Meta violated state consumer protection laws, while a federal judge in California allowed lawsuits from over 30 states to move forward. These lawsuits accuse Meta of profiting from the addictive nature of Instagram and Facebook, contributing to a youth mental health crisis. The California judge, Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, noted that although some claims are limited by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, other features, such as appearance-altering filters, are not shielded. The states are seeking injunctions against Meta's business practices and unspecified monetary damages. Meta has not responded to requests for comments on these rulings.