Meta and its prominent social media platforms, Facebook and Instagram, are confronting a substantial class action lawsuit in the Australian Federal Court. The legal action, spearheaded by the law firm MinterEllison, supposedly centers on allegations that addictive design features built into the platforms are harming children and teenagers.

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of eight plaintiffs who claim they suffered psychological harm and developed severe social media addiction while using Meta's services under the age of 18. MinterEllison partner William Nolan purportedly stated that the proceeding raises critical questions regarding the operational design of social media platforms and their societal impact in Australia. *

This legal challenge unfolds amid escalating friction between the Australian regime and Big Technology conglomerates. The tensions have been exacerbated by a world-first ban on social media access for children under 16 slated for 2025, alongside newly proposed regulatory frameworks designed to suppress algorithm-driven feeds.

A spokesperson for Meta acknowledged awareness of the claims, asserting that the corporation will defend itself vigorously through the judicial process. Critics point out, however, that the European regime and various US states have previously extracted massive financial settlements from Meta over identical accusations of designing platforms to addict underage users.

Source: www.aljazeera.com