Judge rejects Meta’s motion to dismiss social media addiction lawsuit

A federal judge refused to let Meta avoid trial on key claims in a lawsuit brought by state attorneys general alleging it designed Facebook and Instagram to addict children while allegedly withholding information about harms to minors from the public.

U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers on Monday denied Meta’s bid for summary judgment on key claims based on deception, unfair practices and violations of the federal Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act.

The judge also found that the tech giant failed to comply with that law’s notice and parental consent requirements. Rogers granted summary judgment to the states on that issue.

Rogers determined there were material factual disputes over whether Meta’s social media platforms are addictive, whether the company falsely denied allegations that it designed them that way and whether it “partially” marketed the platforms towards children. The ruling does not decide whether Facebook or Instagram are addictive or caused the alleged harms; it means those issues may be considered by a jury.

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A federal judge refused to let Meta avoid trial on key claims in a lawsuit alleging it designed Facebook and Instagram to addict children. (Getty Images / Getty Images)

“The AGs present a reasonable interpretation of [Meta’s] statements that Facebook and Instagram are not designed in ways that cause teens to compulsively use the platforms to their detriment,” Rogers wrote.

“To the extent plaintiffs’ evidence shows that the platforms are in fact designed to do just that, a jury could reasonably find the statements were untrue to a reasonable person,” the judge added.

Meta said that it disagrees with the judge’s ruling.

“We strongly disagree with these allegations and are confident the evidence will show our longstanding commitment to supporting young people,” a Meta spokesperson said in a statement to Fox Business.

“For over a decade, we’ve listened to parents, worked with experts and law enforcement, and conducted in-depth research to understand the issues that matter most. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made, and we’re always working to do better,” the spokesperson continued.

Meta said that it strongly disagrees with the judge’s ruling. ((Photo Illustration by Onur Dogman/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) / Getty Images)

California Attorney General Rob Bonta hailed the judge’s decision as a “critical win” in holding Meta accountable for contributing to a mental health crisis among children.

“Now we’ll continue our case and keep fighting to protect our kids online,” New York Attorney General Letitia James wrote on social media.

The states said research has shown that children’s use…