A newly unsealed court document from an ongoing federal lawsuit against Meta alleges that since at least 2019, Meta has knowingly refused to shut down the majority of accounts belonging to children under 13 years of age while collecting their personal information without their parent's consent.
Thirty-three states' attorneys general have accused Meta of receiving over a million reports of under-13 users on Instagram from parents, friends, and online community members between early 2019 and mid-2023. Despite this, Meta only disabled a fraction of those accounts, according to the complaint.
The federal complaint demands court orders prohibiting Meta from alleged practices that violate the law. With civil penalties potentially amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars, most states seek $1,000 to $50,000 in fines per violation.
Meta is accused of violating various state-based consumer protection statutes and the Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA), which prohibits companies from gathering a child's personal data without getting permission from their parents. Meta allegedly did not comply with COPPA for both Facebook and Instagram.
While Meta contests these accusations, emphasizing the challenges of age verification, the importance of expert legal help cannot be overstated in situations like this. A team of well-versed attorneys can help defend Meta in court and provide valuable insights to improve the company's policies and practices.
Potential Harm to Children's Well-Being
The unsealed complaint also alleges that Meta was aware of its algorithm's ability to steer children towards harmful content, potentially impacting their mental well-being. Internal company communications mention concerns about negative emotional triggers and harmful content spirals.
Examples cited in the lawsuit include Instagram's algorithm promoting unfavorable appearance comparisons and directing users toward accounts related to eating disorders.
Despite Meta's denial of these allegations, the lawsuit suggests that the company refused to change its algorithm due to the engaging nature of such content.
Holding Meta Accountable
Several attorneys general have filed lawsuits against Meta, making claims similar to the federal lawsuit. These cases stem from a bipartisan, multistate investigation that began in 2021 after Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen released internal company documents revealing the potential negative mental health impacts of Meta's products on young users.
New York Attorney General Letitia James stated that "Meta has profited from children's pain by intentionally designing its platforms with manipulative features that make children addicted to their platforms while lowering their self-esteem." Social media companies, including Meta, must be held accountable for contributing to the national youth mental health crisis, James added.
In light of these recent findings, the potential impacts on users, and the subsequent legal issues they may face, now is a crucial time to review potential legal liabilities and ensure compliance with the law. Do you need expert legal help to address similar concerns or protect your business? Feel free to contact experienced professionals who can guide you through the complexities of digital privacy regulations and defend you in court if necessary.
