Meta Faces Australian Class Action Over Social Media Harm to Minors
A class-action lawsuit filed in Australia alleges Meta's Facebook and Instagram harmed children through addictive design features.
At a glance
- MinterEllison filed a class-action lawsuit against Meta in the Australian Federal Court on behalf of eight plaintiffs harmed under age 18.
- The lawsuit seeks compensation for young users who developed social media addiction or were exposed to harmful material.
- Meta stated it will vigorously defend itself, following an $18 billion US settlement over similar claims in August.
Tech giant Meta is facing a class-action lawsuit in Australia's Federal Court over claims that its platforms, Facebook and Instagram, caused harm to children and teenagers through addictive design features. The legal action, announced on Thursday by law firm MinterEllison, seeks financial compensation for users who developed addictions or experienced harmful material while using the social media networks as minors.
The proceedings were initiated on behalf of eight individuals who allege they suffered harm from Meta's services before reaching the age of 18. The Federal Court placed a suppression order on the case on Monday, barring the publication of details from the statement of claim as well as any information that might identify the plaintiffs.
William Nolan, a partner at MinterEllison, stated that the lawsuit brings critical questions regarding how social media platforms are structured and their broader effect on young Australians into the court system. Litigation Lending Services is financing the legal challenge, stating that it aims to support families who otherwise would lack the financial resources to contest a global technology firm.
In response to the filing, a Meta spokesperson confirmed that the company is aware of the case and intends to vigorously defend itself against the allegations.
The lawsuit marks another escalation in the regulatory and legal conflict between the Australian government and major technology companies. In 2025, Australia introduced a pioneering ban prohibiting children under 16 from accessing social media. Australian authorities have also proposed measures allowing users to disable algorithmic recommendations in their social feeds.
Meta has previously encountered similar legal challenges overseas. In August, the company agreed to an $18 billion settlement with nearly all United States states to resolve allegations that it intentionally engineered its platforms to make them addictive to children.
Source: Al Jazeera.
Questions and answers
- What is the lawsuit against Meta in Australia about?
- The class-action lawsuit alleges that Meta's Facebook and Instagram harmed children and teenagers through addictive features and exposure to harmful content.
- How has Meta responded to the Australian lawsuit?
- A Meta spokesperson confirmed awareness of the legal action and stated that the company will vigorously defend itself.
- Why are the identities of the plaintiffs protected?
- Australia's Federal Court issued a suppression order prohibiting the release of the statement of claim and any details that could reveal the identities of the eight plaintiffs.
