Meta Faces Australian Class Action Over Alleged Youth Harm and Platform Addiction

Meta Platforms is facing a class-action lawsuit in Australia's Federal Court alleging that Facebook and Instagram utilized addictive algorithms and exposed children to harmful content. Filed by law firm MinterEllison on behalf of eight initial applicants and funded by Litigation Lending Services, the action seeks compensation for youth mental health impacts and addiction. Meta stated it intends to vigorously defend itself, while the court issued a suppression order on applicant identities. The lawsuit follows an August settlement in the United States over similar youth addiction claims for up to $17.7 billion to $18 billion.