LINCOLN- Dozens of states from across the country are suing Meta Platforms Inc. for allegedly harming young people and contributing to the youth mental health crisis by deliberately adding features to Instagram and Facebook that lead to addiction. The lawsuit, which included 33 states, was filed in federal court in California, with 9 other attorneys general from several other states filing their own as well.

The broad-ranging lawsuit is the result of a bipartisan investigation conducted by attorneys general from California, Florida, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Vermont. In a statement responding to the allegations, Meta said it shares "the attorneys general's commitment to providing teens with safe, positive experiences online, and have already introduced over 30 tools to support teens and their families."

The suit seeks financial damages and restitution, as well as an end to Meta's practices that the attorneys general argue are in violation of the law. Research released in 2021 by Meta stated that the company had known about the harm its social platforms can cause to teenagers, especially young girls, when it comes to mental health and body image issues. Another study found that 13.5% of teen girls say Instagram exacerbates suicidal ideation.

For the full article click HERE