US judge rejects Meta's bid to dismiss child‑addiction lawsuit

U.S. District Judge Ivon Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland, California denied Meta Platforms’ motion to dismiss a multi‑state lawsuit filed by state attorneys general. The suit alleges that Facebook and Instagram were deliberately designed to create addiction in children and that Meta concealed the harmful effects, violating the federal Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). The judge found that Meta failed to meet legal requirements for parental notice and consent.

Meta has rejected the accusations, stating that it continuously improves safety features and parental controls on its platforms. The decision adds to a series of legal and regulatory actions against the company in the United States and Europe concerning privacy protection, data handling, and the impact of its services on minors.