Meta, the parent company of Instagram, is facing a monumental collective action lawsuit in the UK, accused of designing its platform with addictive features that knowingly harm children's mental health.
The legal claim, spearheaded by former Children's Commissioner for England Anne Longfield, seeks damages that could run into billions of pounds for every child in the UK and EU who has used the platform since 2015.
The Core of the Allegations
The lawsuit alleges that Meta exploited the youth of its users by employing a business model predicated on addiction. It claims the platform's algorithm is deliberately designed to maximise time spent on the app through features like:
- Infinite scrolling
- Likes and notifications
- Personalised content feeds
- Recommended accounts and content
This design, the case argues, creates a 'compulsive and persistent' cycle of use that Meta profits from through increased advertising revenue.
A Landmark Case for Child Welfare Online
This isn't just another tech lawsuit. It represents a significant escalation in holding social media giants accountable for the societal impact of their design choices. The case will argue that Meta's practices violate its duty of care to its young users, prioritising profit over their wellbeing.
Ms. Longfield stated the case aims to force a fundamental change in how these platforms operate, making them safer and less exploitative for children.
Meta's Response and the Road Ahead
A Meta spokesperson responded, saying the company has 'already developed over 30 tools to support teens and their families' and that they are 'committed to providing safe, positive experiences for young people online'.
The case, which is being filed with the High Court, will first need to be certified before proceeding to a full trial. If successful, it could set a powerful precedent for regulating tech design and protecting young users online across the globe.
