GUWAHATI: Meta Platforms, the parent company of social media giants Facebook and Instagram, is facing allegations of exploiting young users for profit and exposing them to harmful content. On October 24, a coalition of more than 30 states officially filed a lawsuit against the tech giant in a federal court located in California.
The lawsuit contends that Meta has utilised advanced technologies to attract, engage, and effectively ensnare young individuals, with a particular focus on youth and teenagers. The states argue that Meta's actions are primarily driven by profit, and in pursuit of maximising financial gains, the company has consistently downplayed the significant risks associated with its social media platforms.
In response to the lawsuit, Meta Platforms issued a statement expressing its disappointment in the approach taken by the attorneys general. The company indicated a preference for collaborative efforts within the industry to establish clear, age-appropriate standards for the multitude of apps used by teenagers.
To that end, the company has introduced more than 30 tools aimed at supporting these objectives. While users under the age of 13 are required to obtain parental consent to create an account on Facebook and Instagram, the lawsuit alleges that Meta Platforms has been collecting personal information about underage users who have not received the required parental authorisation.
The lawsuit is rooted in concerns that have emerged over the past year, largely sparked by former Meta employee Frances Haugen, who became a whistleblower in 2021. Haugen's allegations pointed to Meta knowingly targeting vulnerable young users to enhance its profits.
Notably, Haugen revealed an internal study conducted on Instagram, indicating that many adolescent girls using the platform were grappling with depression and anxiety, particularly concerning body-image issues. In this recent lawsuit, Haugen’s testimony to Congress has been included as pertinent evidence.
It is worth noting that Meta Platforms Inc. is not the only tech company facing legal action concerning the impact of social media on the mental health of adolescents and young adults. Competitors such as Snap, TikTok, and Google are similarly contending with numerous lawsuits, with claimants arguing that these platforms are responsible for issues like anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and sleep disturbances among young users ensnared by the allure of social media.
