Meta struggles to dismiss Instagram addiction class action lawsuit

Meta Instagram addiction class action lawsuit overview:

• Who: A Massachusetts appeals court declined to dismiss a class action lawsuit filed against Meta Platforms Inc.
• Why: The lawsuit claims Meta’s Instagram platform is addictive and harmful to children.
• Where: The class action lawsuit was filed in Massachusetts state court.
• How to Get Help: If you or your child has suffered mental health issues potentially due to using Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok or Snapchat, you may qualify to join a free class action lawsuit investigation. 

Meta Platforms may struggle to get out of a class action lawsuit accusing the social media giant of making its Instagram platform addictive to children. 

Experts say the lawsuit will likely be allowed to proceed since it focuses on Meta’s conduct, not the content posted by users, and that it does not infringe on Meta’s First Amendment rights due to it alleging the company made false claims about the safety of its platform, reports Law360. 

The lawsuit, filed by Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, argues Meta uses features such as infinite scrolling and autoplay to keep children engaged on Instagram, despite knowing the platform is harmful to their mental health.

Meta, meanwhile, argued the complaint should be dismissed because it is protected by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which it said shields online platforms from liability for user-generated content. 

The social media giant also argued that the lawsuit violates its First Amendment rights to free speech, according to court documents, as reported by Law360.

Meta’s claims about Instagram safety ‘belied’ by internal data, suit says

The lawsuit also claims Meta has made false claims about the safety of Instagram — including in congressional testimony and media interviews — and failed to implement an age verification process to keep children under 13 off the platform, reports Law360. 

Campbell further argues Meta’s claims that its platforms are safe is “belied” by internal company data that she says shows the addictive nature of Instagram harms children.

Meta has not yet responded to the appeals court’s ruling, reports Law360. The company has previously denied the claims in the lawsuit and said it is committed to making its platforms safe for children.

A California federal judge dismissed some claims against social media companies — including Meta and Snap — last month involved in a multidistrict litigation for claims they are responsible for causing addiction and personal injuries to their adolescent users.

Have you or your child suffered mental health issues potentially linked to using YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or Snapchat? You may qualify to join a free class action lawsuit investigation. 

The Instagram addiction class action lawsuit is Commonwealth v. Meta Platforms Inc., Case No. 2384CV02397, in the Suffolk County Superior Court of Massachusetts.

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