Massachusetts Takes Legal Action Against Meta Over Impact On Teens

Instagram icon appears on a phone screen

Massachusetts is launching a groundbreaking lawsuit against Meta over Instagram’s alleged negative effects on teen mental health.

At a Glance

Massachusetts claims that Meta designed Instagram features to addict teens.
Judge ruled Section 230 doesn’t protect Meta’s alleged false statements.
Meta’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit was denied.
Massachusetts is among over two dozen states taking similar legal action.

Meta Targeted by Massachusetts Lawsuit

Massachusetts has filed a lawsuit against Meta Platforms over claims that the company intentionally designed Instagram features to create addiction among teenagers. The lawsuit underscores growing worries regarding technology’s influence on youth mental health, particularly as Instagram has become a significant presence in the lives of many teenagers. The state’s legal action emphasizes that Meta allegedly prioritized engagement and profitability over the wellbeing of its young users.

The lawsuit contends that Instagram’s engaging design fosters dependency, a claim that Meta disputes. Massachusetts insists that the company misrepresented the potential risks associated with prolonged platform use, potentially threatening users’ mental health. This lawsuit forms part of a larger discourse about the ethical responsibilities of tech companies regarding user health.

Meta must face Massachusetts social media addiction lawsuit, judge rules – https://t.co/WicM38yWDS

— Nate Raymond (@nateraymond) October 18, 2024

Court Ruling Denies Meta’s Motion to Dismiss

Suffolk County Superior Court Judge Peter Krupp ruled that Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act does not shield Meta from accusations of making false statements about child protection. This ruling signifies that the lawsuit pertains to business conduct rather than protected speech, thus allowing Massachusetts to proceed legally against Meta. Meta attempted to claim immunity under Section 230 and the First Amendment, but their arguments were dismissed.

“Meta has failed to establish that the claims are entirely based on protected speech or expression and that therefore dismissal is appropriate,” said Suffolk County Superior Court Judge Peter Krupp.

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell supports the ruling, emphasizing the need to hold Meta accountable. She argued that the state’s claims spotlight the importance of revising Meta’s practices to protect young users from the adverse effects of its platform.

Judge rules that Facebook and Instagram parent company Meta must face a lawsuit by Massachusetts over allegedly getting young users addicted and deceiving the public about the dangers their social platforms pose to teens' mental health. https://t.co/ic6GDnuLSE pic.twitter.com/1Fckj37ZJJ

— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) October 19, 2024

Meta and the Growing Scrutiny of Tech Firms

Meta has expressed disagreement with the court’s decision. The company highlights various tools they’ve developed for parental and teen support, such as introducing “Teen Accounts,” which limit contact and exposure to certain content for teens on Instagram. However, the increasing number of states suing Meta—over two dozen alongside Massachusetts—demonstrates the mounting pressure on the company to prioritize user well-being over profit.

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell said that the case “can now move forward with our claims to hold Meta accountable and continue to push for meaningful change on Meta’s platforms that will protect young users.”

States like California have seen similar legal actions and outcomes, suggesting a widespread skepticism of Meta’s practices. The unfolding legal developments reflect a broader push to enforce greater accountability among tech giants concerning health and ethical impacts.