Meta fails to dismiss lawsuit accusing Facebook and Instagram of addicting children

**Federal Judge Allows States’ Child Safety Lawsuit Against Meta to Move Forward**

A federal judge has ruled that a multistate lawsuit against Meta Platforms can proceed, rejecting the company's request to dismiss key claims related to the alleged impact of Facebook and Instagram on young users. The case, brought by attorneys general from 29 states, accuses Meta of designing features that encourage excessive use among children and teenagers while downplaying the potential risks to their mental health. The plaintiffs argue that the company's platforms include engagement-driven tools intended to keep younger users online for longer periods, contributing to issues such as anxiety, depression, and reduced self-esteem. They also allege that Meta misrepresented the safety of its products despite being aware of concerns surrounding their effects on minors. U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled that the states had presented sufficient grounds for several of their claims to continue, including allegations involving deceptive business practices and violations of children's online privacy protections. While some portions of the lawsuit were dismissed, the court determined that the central claims deserved further examination through the legal process. Meta has denied the allegations, maintaining that it has consistently invested in safety measures, parental controls, and tools designed to protect younger users. The decision advances the case into the discovery phase, where both sides will be able to obtain internal documents, gather evidence, and question witnesses. The lawsuit is part of a broader national effort to examine the role of social media platforms in youth mental health and could have significant implications for how technology companies develop products aimed at younger audiences.