Meta and Instagram sued by 33 states over depression, anxiety, insomnia linked to kids
New Delhi: Meta and Instagram are being sued by 33 states, including New York and California, over allegations that they intentionally created features for Instagram and Facebook that lead to children becoming addicted to the company’s social media platforms, causing harm to young people and resulting in mental health problems.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court in California on behalf of 33 states, asserts that Meta collects data from children under the age of 13 without their parents’ consent, in violation of the rules.
Furthermore, nine attorney generals in their respective states are also pursuing legal action against Meta, bringing the total number of states taking legal action against the company to 41.
In response, Meta issued a statement indicating its support for the Attorney General’s commitment to providing a safe and positive online experience for adolescents. The company has already introduced more than 30 tools to assist adolescents and their families.