A total of 33 US states have initiated a lawsuit against Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:FB), the parent company of Instagram and Facebook.
Another nine attorneys general are expected to put their name to the legal action, which accuses Meta of knowingly promoting addictive social media use among young people, thereby exacerbating a mental health crisis among this demographic.
Filed in a federal court in Oakland, California, the lawsuit argues that Meta has consistently downplayed the risks associated with its platforms while focusing on profit.
The case also contends that Meta aims to maximise the time young users spend on its platforms, despite being aware of the vulnerabilities of teenage brains to social approval metrics like 'likes.'
The action follows heightened public scrutiny on the impact of social media on youth mental health, intensified by whistleblower Frances Haugen's 2021 revelations about Instagram's negative effects on body image among teen girls.
The lawsuit calls for substantial civil penalties and adds to a growing number of legal challenges Meta faces over similar issues. In response, Meta expressed disappointment, stating it aims to make online spaces safe for teens.