By Afnan Khalifa
A federal judge has rejected Meta Platforms’ bid to dismiss a lawsuit brought by attorneys general from 29 states, allowing claims to move forward that the company designed Facebook and Instagram to addict children while concealing the platforms’ harmful effects.
In a ruling issued late Monday, U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers denied Meta’s motion to dismiss claims alleging deceptive and unfair business practices, as well as violations of the federal Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act.
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The lawsuits allege that Meta knowingly designed features that encourage children and teenagers to spend excessive amounts of time on its social media platforms. According to the complaints, the apps incorporate addictive design elements intended to keep users scrolling and maximize the time they spend on the platforms, contributing to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and other mental health issues among young users.
The lawsuits also claim that Meta allegedly misled the public by portraying its apps and services as safe despite knowing they posed risks to children and teens.
Judge Gonzalez Rogers ruled the states had presented enough evidence to make many of their claims go forward. Some of the lawsuits were dismissed but the court decided the central allegations about Meta’s business practices and the potential impact on children’s well-being warranted further investigation during the litigation process.
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Meta has denied the allegations, and stated: “We strongly disagree with these allegations and are confident the evidence will show our longstanding commitment to supporting young people.”
Meta has said it continues to introduce new safety features, expand parental controls, and work with experts to address concerns about the well-being of young users.
The lawsuits are part of a broader nationwide effort to scrutinize the impact of social media on children and teenagers. In recent years, lawmakers, educators, parents, and public health officials have increasingly raised concerns about the relationship between heavy social media use and youth mental health. The litigation adds to mounting pressure on technology companies to be more transparent about their products and their efforts to protect minors online.
The judge’s decision allows the case to move into the next phase of litigation, including discovery, during which both sides can seek evidence, internal company documents, and witness testimony. The outcome could influence how social media companies design their platforms and how courts assess their responsibility for the effects of their products on children and adolescents.