- By Ashish Singh
- Wed, 25 Oct 2023 10:31 AM (IST)
- Source:REUTERS
Meta is facing a multi-state lawsuit, as the legal executives general of 33 US states, including California and New York, have accused the tech giant of fueling a youth mental health crisis through its social media platforms. The complaint alleges that Meta knowingly induced young children and teenagers into addictive and compulsive social media use, emphasising profit over safety and well-being.
The lawsuit, which was filed on Tuesday in federal court in Oakland, California, claims that Meta repeatedly misled the public about the hazards associated with its platforms. According to the accusations, the corporation used sophisticated technology to capture children and teenagers, resulting in a wide range of negative consequences such as unhappiness, anxiety, insomnia, and disruptions to daily activities and schools.
READ: Dozens US States Sue Facebook Owner Meta Platforms On Grounds Of Children's Mental Health
Meta voiced dissatisfaction with the lawsuit and stated that it would be more helpful to engage with the business to set clear, age-appropriate criteria. For each violation of state law, the corporation might face civil fines ranging from $1,000 to $50,000, which could add up to large sums.
Following the publication of documents by a whistleblower in 2021, which revealed the business was aware of Instagram's addictive nature and its detrimental effects on kids' body image, attention on Meta increased. According to the lawsuit, Meta put profit ahead of customer safety and encouraged addiction in order to increase business profitability.
In order to register an account on Facebook or Instagram, users under the age of thirteen are obliged to obtain parental approval. However, according to the lawsuit, Meta is collecting personal data about these users without the necessary consent.
Meanwhile, Elon Musk has stated that the United States is sleepwalking its way towards World War III as a result of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Not only that, but he believes that the entire human culture is at stake, and he has advised the United States to push for Ukraine peace and to restart normal relations with Russia.