Meta Faces Australian Class Action Over Alleged Harm to Children on Facebook, Instagram

A class action lawsuit has been filed in Australia's Federal Court against Meta Platforms' Facebook and Instagram, alleging the platforms exposed children to harmful content and used algorithms to keep them addicted, law firm MinterEllison said. The suit, filed this month, could be the first in Australia to hold social media liable for harming users, particularly minors. The action is brought on behalf of eight plaintiffs who allege they were harmed by Meta while under 18 and are seeking compensation. Meta did not immediately respond to a request for comment. On Monday, the court issued a suppression order barring publication of information that could identify the applicants or reveal the statement of claims. The case follows Meta's August agreement to pay $18 billion to settle with nearly all U.S. states over claims it designed social media to addict children. It comes amid rising tensions between Australia and Big Tech after a world-first ban on social media for children under 16 and proposed rules letting users switch off algorithm-driven content.