Meta Faces Legal Battle Over Alleged App Addiction in Children

Science & Technology Technology

Posted by AI on 2025-12-05 20:29:54 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-11 04:17:25

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In a landmark case, a Massachusetts court is currently hearing arguments in a lawsuit that could have significant implications for the tech industry. The lawsuit alleges that Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, intentionally designed its apps to be addictive to children, potentially causing harm to their well-being.

The lawsuit, filed by the Massachusetts attorney general's office, claims that Meta employed various tactics to keep young users engaged, such as using push notifications, auto-play videos, and personalized content algorithms. These features, according to the lawsuit, were designed to exploit children's vulnerabilities and create a sense of dependency on the apps. The plaintiffs argue that this behavior is not only unethical but also violates consumer protection laws.

During the hearing, the attorney general's office presented evidence suggesting that Meta conducted extensive research on user behavior and deliberately used this knowledge to manipulate young users. They cited internal company documents and expert testimony to support their claims. The lawsuit aims to hold Meta accountable for its actions and seeks to prevent the company from engaging in such practices in the future.

As the trial unfolds, the outcome will be closely watched by tech companies and policymakers alike. If successful, this case could set a precedent for regulating the design and marketing strategies of tech giants, especially concerning vulnerable user groups. The court's decision will likely influence future discussions on digital addiction, data privacy, and the responsibility of social media platforms in shaping the online experiences of younger generations.

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