California leads 33 AGs in lawsuit against Meta.
California Attorney General Leads Lawsuit Against Facebook and Instagram
California Attorney General Rob Bonta is spearheading a coalition of 33 attorneys general in a federal lawsuit against Meta Platforms—the parent company of Facebook and Instagram. The lawsuit accuses the social media giant of using app features that harm children and teenagers.
As part of this effort, eight attorneys general have also filed lawsuits against Meta in state courts, according to Mr. Bonta’s announcement on October 24.
These legal actions, both at the federal and state levels, stem from a nationwide investigation that began in November 2021.
“Our bipartisan investigation has arrived at a solemn conclusion: Meta has been harming our children and teens, cultivating addiction to boost corporate profits,” stated Mr. Bonta on Tuesday. “With today’s lawsuit, we are drawing the line. We must protect our children, and we will not back down from this fight. I am grateful for the collaboration of my fellow state attorneys general in standing up for our children and holding Meta accountable.”
The federal lawsuit alleges that Meta, led by founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg, has violated federal and state laws, including the federal Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, which safeguards the online privacy of children under 13. It also accuses Meta of violating California’s False Advertising Law and Unfair Competition Law, which prohibit deceptive and unfair business practices.
The claim further alleges that Meta has violated various other state laws related to consumer protection, business practices, and fair trade.
The attorneys general are seeking court intervention to halt Meta’s practices that violate federal and state laws. They are also requesting monetary relief for damages and attorney fees.
The federal complaint asserts that Meta has developed a business model that prioritizes maximizing the time young users spend on its platforms. It also accuses the company of employing harmful and manipulative features while misleading the public about their safety.
In addition, the attorneys general claim that Meta publishes misleading reports on low rates of user harm and, despite overwhelming evidence, refuses to address these issues while downplaying the adverse effects of its platforms, according to Mr. Bonta.
Joining California in the lawsuit are the states of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Florida is filing its own federal lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. It is joined by the District of Columbia, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, and Vermont, which have filed related actions in their state courts.
California’s attorney general is also conducting an ongoing investigation into TikTok for alleged harm to young users. On March 5, Mr. Bonta filed an amicus brief in support of efforts to compel the social media company to produce materials and evidence under subpoena.
How does this lawsuit contribute to the larger conversation about the regulation of social media platforms and the protection of children and teenagers online
Cility on July 7, 2022, in Los Angeles, California. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)
The lawsuit specifically focuses on certain features and practices of Facebook and Instagram that allegedly contribute to the harm of children and teenagers. These features include the use of algorithms to promote harmful content, the collection and use of children’s personal information without consent, and the targeting of vulnerable users for advertisements and in-app purchases.
The lawsuit seeks to require Meta to change its business practices and implement strict safeguards to protect children and teenagers using its platforms. It also seeks monetary damages for affected individuals and civil penalties against Meta.
Attorney General Bonta highlighted the importance of holding Meta accountable for the harm caused to young users. He emphasized that the lawsuit is aimed at protecting children from being exploited for corporate profit and ensuring that online platforms prioritize their safety and well-being.
This legal action is the latest in a series of challenges faced by Facebook and its parent company. In recent years, the social media giant has come under scrutiny for various issues, including privacy breaches, the spread of misinformation, and the promotion of harmful content. These concerns have sparked calls for stricter regulation of social media platforms to protect users, particularly children and teenagers.
The lawsuit led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta represents a significant step in addressing these concerns and holding Meta accountable for its alleged violations. It sends a strong message that the well-being of children and teenagers should be a top priority in the development and operation of online platforms.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the outcome of this lawsuit will undoubtedly have implications for the future regulation and practices of social media platforms. It will also serve as a precedent for other states and countries seeking to take action against companies that fail to adequately protect young users.
Overall, this lawsuit highlights the growing significance of protecting children and teenagers in the digital age. It underscores the need for robust legislation and enforcement to safeguard their online privacy, well-being, and mental health. It also emphasizes the responsibility of technology companies to prioritize user safety over corporate profits.
The outcome of this legal battle has the potential to shape the future of the social media landscape and redefine the relationship between technology companies and their users. It serves as a reminder that when it comes to the well-being of our children, no company should be above the law.
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