US technology giant Meta is facing a class action lawsuit in Australia over allegations that addictive features on its Facebook and Instagram platforms have caused harm to children and teenagers. The lawsuit, filed in the Federal Court, seeks compensation for users who were exposed to harmful content or developed social media addiction, according to local media reports on Thursday.
The legal action was brought by law firm MinterEllison and litigation funder Litigation Lending Services on behalf of eight applicants. They stated that the case highlights significant concerns regarding the design and operation of social media platforms. The Federal Court in Sydney issued a suppression order on Monday, preventing the publication of specific details of the claim and the identities of the applicants.
This lawsuit emerges amid increasing scrutiny of technology companies concerning children's online safety. Australia is set to become the world's first country to implement a nationwide social media ban for children under 16, effective December 10, 2025, which will require major platforms to prevent underage users from holding accounts.
Meta has rejected the allegations in Australia, stating its intention to defend itself vigorously against the claims.
Separately, Meta is also contending with a significant legal judgment in the United States. A US judge in New Mexico ordered the company to pay $25 billion after a jury determined that Meta had misled consumers in a case concerning unauthorised access to Facebook users’ data, which was linked to Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign. Judge Francis Mathew indicated that a penalty exceeding $219 billion was initially warranted but reduced the final amount to $25 billion.
Meta announced its plan to appeal the US ruling, arguing that the judgment threatens constitutional protections and imposes excessive penalties.
