Meta faces US trial over claims its platforms harmed children’s mental health
A federal case in the United States is testing allegations that Meta put growth and profit ahead of young users’ wellbeing and safety.
A major trial opened in the United States on Tuesday over claims that Meta’s social media platforms harmed children’s mental health. The case brings together allegations that the company ignored risks to young users while pursuing growth and profit.
The lawsuit follows disclosures made in 2021 by a former employee who said internal research showed the company understood potential harms to teenagers but did not act decisively enough. Plaintiffs argue that Meta’s products contributed to anxiety, body-image pressure and other mental health problems among children and adolescents.
Meta has denied the allegations and is expected to contest the claims in court. The proceedings are being watched closely because they could shape how judges and regulators assess the responsibilities of large technology companies toward minors.
The case is one of several legal and regulatory challenges facing social media firms over the effects of their products on young people, including questions about design choices, content exposure and user safety.
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