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Meta faces class action lawsuit in Australia over addictive platform design
Meta is facing a class action lawsuit in Australia's Federal Court, alleging that Facebook and Instagram were designed with addictive algorithms that harm the mental health of children and adolescents. The lawsuit, filed by the law firm MinterEllison on behalf of eight primary plaintiffs, seeks compensation for damages resulting from exposure to harmful content and the development of addictive behaviors while users were under the age of 18.
The legal action focuses on structural design elements such as infinite scrolling, continuous push notifications, aggressive recommendation algorithms, and dopamine-driven gratification through “like” systems. Plaintiffs argue these features were engineered to maximize engagement at the expense of young users' well-being.
A Sydney-based court has issued an order prohibiting the disclosure of details regarding the legal proceedings or the identities of the plaintiffs. This litigation follows a significant August settlement in the United States, where Meta agreed to pay over $17 billion to resolve claims regarding similar allegations of intentional addictive design for young users.
Entities
Facebook · Federal Court of Australia · Instagram · Meta · Meta Platforms · Minter Ellison · MinterEllison
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The lawsuit claims features like infinite scrolling and push notifications contribute to addiction. www.agenpress.it
- [● 5 SOURCES] Meta is facing a class action lawsuit in the Australian Federal Court. cretaone.gr · thracenews.gr · economiasustentable.com · www.agenpress.it · www.ertnews.gr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Meta stated it will defend itself against the claims. economiasustentable.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] The lawsuit alleges Facebook and Instagram use addictive algorithms that harm the mental health of minors. cretaone.gr · thracenews.gr · economiasustentable.com · www.agenpress.it · www.ertnews.gr
- [● 5 SOURCES] A court order has prohibited the disclosure of the plaintiffs' identities and specific case details. cretaone.gr · thracenews.gr · economiasustentable.com · www.agenpress.it · www.ertnews.gr
- [● 5 SOURCES] The lawsuit is brought by eight individuals seeking compensation. cretaone.gr · thracenews.gr · economiasustentable.com · www.agenpress.it · www.ertnews.gr
- [● 3 SOURCES] Meta agreed to pay over $17 billion in the United States to settle similar claims in August. cretaone.gr · thracenews.gr · www.ertnews.gr