41 US states sued Facebook

Meta Company is being sued by 41 US states, claiming that social networks Facebook and Instagram negatively impact children.

The lawsuit is the culmination of a 2021 investigation by US states into allegations that social platforms operated by Meta contribute to mental health problems among young Americans. . Each state's complaint differs, but it paints a general picture of a tech company creating apps with harmful solicitation tactics.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg (center) on Capitol Hill in September. Photo: Washington Post

For example, in a 233-page lawsuit filed by the state of California, Meta is accused of "scheming to exploit young users for profit by misleading them about the safety and popularity of disturbing content." harm, while also collecting their data, in violation of federal children's privacy laws." The state also believes that Mark Zuckerberg 's company intentionally implemented features to keep minors on Facebook and Instagram for as long as possible, thereby harming their health.

The fact that 41 US states jointly sued marks a rare bipartisan consensus as well as emphasizes US officials' concerns about how much harm social networks cause to minors. "This is the time when we join forces to solve the most necessary problems," Phil Weiser, Colorado's judicial representative, said at a press conference on October 24.

According to the Washington Post , 30 states filed a joint lawsuit in federal court in the Northern District of California, with the remainder filed in state court where they live.

"Our bipartisan investigation has reached an important conclusion: Meta harmed children and teens with addictive features to increase profits," said Rob Bonta, California attorney general, speak.

Meanwhile, Meta spoke out against it. Spokeswoman Liza Crenshaw said the company was "disappointed because it has worked effectively with industry players to create clear, age-appropriate standards for many of the apps used by teens" but still sued.

According to several lawyers providing legal support for the lawsuit, creating legal pressure from a series of states could force Meta to change its behavior towards children, regardless of any ruling the court makes.

The harmful effects of operating Meta platforms such as Facebook and Instagram on children have become the focus of attention in the US since 2021, when former employee Frances Haugen revealed that the company was aware of the danger level of Facebook. and Instagram to minors through internal research, but ignored for profit. A series of lawsuits also broke out afterward.

States like Arkansas and Utah restrict people under 13 from using social networks and require teens under 18 to use Facebook and Instagram to have parental consent. The state of California passed regulations requiring companies like Meta to test products for risks before releasing them to users, as well as build safety and privacy protections into their tools. me.

Bao Lam (according to Washington Post )

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