Meta sued in Australian class action over alleged social media harm to children
Meta is facing a class-action lawsuit in Australia alleging that its platforms, Facebook and Instagram, expose children to harmful content and addictive algorithms. The company has stated it will defend itself against the claims while highlighting its use of AI for safety.
Why it matters
Highlights the growing global legal scrutiny regarding the impact of social media algorithms on the mental health of minors.
Meta sued in Australian class action over alleged social media harm to children left “We are aware of this claim and we will defend ourselves vigorously,” a Meta spokesperson said by email [File] REUTERS REUTERS https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/o88u4m/article71609945.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/2026-10-22T020830Z_612713388_RC2CPNAANWPU_RTRMADP_3_META-PLATFORMS-ZUCKERBERG.JPG Carlos Barria FILE PHOTO: Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg tries on Meta smart glasses during the Meta Connect event at the company's headquarters in Menlo Park, California, U.S., September 23, 2026. REUTERS/Carlos Barria/File Photo The class-action suit has been filed on behalf of eight plaintiffs, who allege they were harmed by Meta while they were under the age of 18, and are seeking compensation A class-action lawsuit has been filed in an Australian court against Meta Platforms’ Facebook and Instagram that alleges the social media platforms exposed children to harmful content and kept them addicted through algorithms.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in