Italian Family Sues Facebook, Instagram, And TikTok For Child Security: Accusations Of Negligence To Protect Underage Users

Illustration of social media Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok (photo: Doc. pexels)

JAKARTA A number of families in Italy have officially filed lawsuits against Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, accusing the three social media platforms of failing to enforce user age restrictions and using addictive features that harm children's mental health.

The lawsuit was filed in court at Milan and demanded that the three platforms implement a stronger age verification system in accordance with Italian law that prohibits children under the age of 14 from creating social media accounts without parental permission.

In a lawsuit document filed by law firm Ambrosio & Komodo with the Italian Parent Movement (MOIGE), the plaintiffs asked the court to order Meta as the parent of Facebook and Instagram and TikTok to remove the algorithm deemed manipulative and provide transparent information about the potential danger of excessive social media use.

"Children are too easy to get past the set age limit. This lawsuit aims to stop dangerous practices for many individuals," said lawyer Renato Ambrosio, quoted by VOI from Reuters on Monday evening local time. The first trial of the case is scheduled to be held by the Milan Court business chamber in February 2026.

Meta And TikTok Responses

Responding to the lawsuit, a Meta spokesperson confirmed that the company is committed to safeguarding the safety of young users on its platform.

Teenage safety should be a priority for the entire industry. Through Teen Accounts, we provide built-in protection that limits who can contact them, what content they can see, and how long they can use Facebook and Instagram. We also have steps to prevent teens from lying about their age," said a Meta representative.

Meanwhile, TikTok has not yet provided an official response regarding this case.

Global Highlights On Child Security In Cyberspace

The lawsuit comes amid growing global surveillance of child safety on social media. A number of countries, including Australia and several countries in Europe, have or are considering new policies to limit the use of social media by minors.

In the United States, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok are also facing dozens of lawsuits accusing them of intentionally creating an attractive and addictive platform for millions of children.

More Than 3 Million Users In Italy Allegedly Underage

According to the plaintiffs' estimates, of the approximately 90 million registered Facebook, Instagram and TikTok accounts in Italy, more than three million of them were used by children under the age of 14.

The use of social media by children is considered to be able to cause various health problems such as eating disorders, lack of sleep, depression, and a decrease in academic achievement.

Class Lawsuit Plan (Class Action)

The law firm based in Turin, Ambrosio & Komodo, together with MOIGE also plans to prepare a next collective lawsuit (class action). The lawsuit will be open to parents whose children are suspected of having a negative impact due to the use of social media.

This legal step marks a new chapter in efforts to suppress the responsibility of major technology companies on the social and psychological impact of their products on children. If granted, this case could set an important precedent in Europe and encourage other countries to tighten regulations on social media.