According to new reports, dozens of U.S. states have filed a lawsuit against Meta Platforms, including Instagram, alleging that it has contributed to a mental health crisis among young Americans.
The lawsuit was filed in a California federal court, and the states say that Meta has repeatedly misled the public about the dangers of using the social media platforms owned by Meta, Reuters reported.
The suit also says that Meta knowingly induced young children and teenagers into a pattern of social media use that is addictive and compulsive.
According to CNBC, 33 State Attorney Generals have come together, including those of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island.
They are alleging that Meta violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act by collecting personal data on users under 13 without the consent of a parent, CNBC reported.
The states named in the lawsuit are seeking a variety of remedies and substantial civil penalties.
This lawsuit is the largest legal challenge Meta has faced and is another demonstration of the bipartisan priority that lawmakers have put on keeping kids safe online.
This is a developing story that will be updated when more information becomes available.
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