Meta, along with its platforms Instagram and Facebook, is facing a class action lawsuit in Australia over allegations that its products were deliberately designed in ways that encourage addictive behaviour among children and teenagers.
The lawsuit was filed in the Federal Court of Australia, the country's second-highest court, by eight individuals seeking compensation for harm allegedly suffered before they reached adulthood. According to law firm MinterEllison, the plaintiffs claim they were exposed to harmful content or developed social media addiction while under the age of 18.
The case is believed to be among the first in Australia to directly seek to hold social media companies responsible for alleged psychological and behavioural harm caused to young users.
Plaintiffs seek damages
The claim argues that features built into Meta's platforms created harmful dependency among children, raising broader questions about the responsibilities of technology companies towards younger users.
Details of the proceedings remain limited. A Sydney-based court issued a suppression order on Monday prohibiting the publication of information relating to the plaintiffs' identities and certain aspects of the case, according to court documents.
Meta did not immediately respond to requests for comment following the filing of the lawsuit.
Part of a wider debate
The legal action follows increasing scrutiny of social media companies worldwide over concerns about their impact on children and adolescents.
In August, Meta agreed to pay up to US$17 billion to settle litigation in the United States related to allegations that aspects of its platforms were intentionally designed to foster addiction among younger users.
The Australian lawsuit comes amid growing tensions between Canberra and major technology companies.
Australia tightens social media rules
The case is unfolding as Australia moves ahead with some of the world's strictest regulations on children's use of social media.
Authorities have already introduced a groundbreaking ban on social media use by children under the age of 16 and have recently proposed measures that would allow users to switch off algorithmically curated feeds.
The lawsuit is expected to add further pressure on social media platforms as lawmakers and regulators examine the impact of recommendation algorithms, platform design and online content on younger audiences.
Source: ANA-MPA
