Meta Will Face a Lawsuit in Massachusetts Regarding Instagram Problems That Make Children Addicted

JAKARTA - The Massachusetts Supreme Court ruled that Meta must face a lawsuit filed by the local attorney general regarding the design of Instagram that allegedly makes children addicted.

Judge Dalila Argaez Wendlandt emphasized that this lawsuit does not target content uploaded by users, but Meta's behavior. The company is accused of deliberately making children addicted for business interests.

"The claim alleges losses stemming from Meta's behavior, either by designing a social media platform that exploits the vulnerabilities of children's development or misleading consumers about the platform's safety," Wendlandt said, quoted by Reuters on Saturday, April 11.

Responding to the ruling, a Meta spokesperson expressed their disagreement with the court's determination of the distinction between content and platform design. They believe that the evidence at trial will show the company's commitment to the safety of teenagers and children.

"We believe the evidence will show our long-term commitment to supporting young people," a Meta spokesperson said. The company, which owns Instagram and Facebook, feels that the latest ruling has not touched on the real issue.

The Massachusetts case is part of thousands of similar lawsuits filed by various parties across the US. The plaintiffs, ranging from individuals to school districts, are seeking to hold Meta accountable for the negative impact of social media.

Previously, a jury in Los Angeles had found Meta and Google guilty of negligence in designing a harmful platform. The court then awarded US$6 million (Rp102 billion) in damages to a woman who claimed to have been addicted to social media since childhood.