Social media giant Meta, formerly known as Facebook, is facing a significant legal challenge as a bipartisan group of 42 attorneys general from various states file lawsuits against the company. These legal actions allege that features on Meta’s Facebook and Instagram platforms are addictive and specifically target children and teenagers. The attorneys general argue that Meta designed its products to keep young users engaged for longer periods, utilizing algorithms, alerts, notifications, and infinite scrolling through platform feeds.
Multiple Lawsuits Filed Against Meta
The attorneys general have taken their legal battle against Meta to both federal and state courts. Federal suits were filed in the Northern District of California by attorneys general from 33 states, including New York, California, Colorado, Louisiana, Nebraska, South Carolina, Washington, and Wisconsin. Additionally, nine other attorneys general are filing lawsuits in their respective states. This collective legal action highlights the bipartisan priority placed by state law enforcement officials on protecting young individuals from potential harm caused by online platforms.
This is not the first time that a broad coalition of state attorneys general has united to challenge Meta. In 2020, 48 states and territories filed antitrust lawsuits against the company, alongside a separate complaint from the Federal Trade Commission.
Allegations of Harmful Practices
The lawsuits against Meta claim that the company’s design choices have had negative effects on young users, particularly in terms of mental health. Features such as “likes” and photo filters are alleged to contribute to social comparison and promote body dysmorphia. The attorneys general also accuse Meta of violating the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) by collecting personal data from users under the age of 13 without parental consent.
Internal research commissioned by Meta and subsequently leaked by a whistleblower revealed that the company was aware of the potential harm its platforms could cause to young users. The research indicated that Instagram, in particular, exacerbated body image issues among teenage girls.
Seeking an End to Harmful Practices
The attorneys general are seeking not only an end to what they perceive as Meta’s harmful practices but also penalties and restitution. They argue that Meta cannot claim ignorance of the negative effects of its design choices given the company’s own internal research. The leaked documents have raised concerns among lawmakers, parents, and the public, prompting a closer examination of the impact social media platforms have on young individuals.
Meta has responded to the lawsuits, expressing disappointment with the attorneys general’s approach. The company asserts that it shares their commitment to providing safe and positive online experiences for teenagers and their families. Meta also highlights the need for collaboration across the industry to establish clear, age-appropriate standards for all apps used by teenagers.
The Influence of Social Media Features
While Meta is not the only social media company accused of designing features to keep users engaged, the attorneys general contend that the company’s strategies are particularly effective and detrimental to young people. The fear of missing out (FOMO) is a common concern among individuals of all ages, but it is particularly prevalent among teenagers. Meta’s platforms incorporate features that tap into this fear, creating a sense of dependency and addiction.
The bipartisan nature of the attorneys general coalition demonstrates the widespread interest among law enforcement officials, regardless of political affiliation, in protecting consumers, especially young individuals, from potential harm. President Joe Biden has also emphasized the importance of safeguarding children’s safety and mental health online.
See first source: CNBC
FAQ
Q1: What legal challenge is Meta, formerly known as Facebook, facing?
A1: Meta is facing lawsuits from a bipartisan group of 42 attorneys general from various states. These lawsuits allege that features on Meta’s Facebook and Instagram platforms are addictive and specifically target children and teenagers.
Q2: What are the main allegations in the lawsuits against Meta?
A2: The lawsuits claim that Meta designed its products to keep young users engaged for longer periods using algorithms, alerts, notifications, and infinite scrolling through platform feeds. They also accuse Meta of promoting social comparison, body dysmorphia, and violating the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) by collecting data from users under 13 without parental consent.
Q3: Where have these lawsuits been filed?
A3: These legal actions have been filed in both federal and state courts. Federal suits were filed in the Northern District of California by attorneys general from 33 states, and nine other attorneys general are filing lawsuits in their respective states.
Q4: What is the focus of the attorneys general’s legal battle against Meta?
A4: The attorneys general’s focus is on protecting young individuals from potential harm caused by online platforms. They seek to put an end to what they perceive as Meta’s harmful practices, as well as penalties and restitution.
Q5: What impact has internal research commissioned by Meta had on these lawsuits?
A5: Internal research leaked by a whistleblower revealed that Meta was aware of the potential harm its platforms could cause to young users. This research has raised concerns and prompted a closer examination of social media platforms’ impact on young individuals.
Q6: How has Meta responded to these lawsuits?
A6: Meta expressed disappointment with the attorneys general’s approach but stated that it shares their commitment to providing safe and positive online experiences for teenagers and their families. The company emphasizes the need for industry collaboration to establish clear, age-appropriate standards for apps used by teenagers.
Q7: What is the significance of the bipartisan nature of the attorneys general coalition?
A7: The bipartisan coalition of attorneys general demonstrates widespread interest in protecting consumers, especially young individuals, from potential harm caused by social media features. It reflects a commitment to safeguarding children’s safety and mental health online, as emphasized by President Joe Biden.
Featured Image Credit: Tom Sodoge; Unsplash – Thank you!
