META IS ACCUSED? PROBLEMS FOR THE AMERICAN GIANT

Today, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, was accused by more than 30 states in the United States of tainting young people and hiding the damage that its platforms cause to the mental health of adolescents.

The allegations are based on a report published by the University of Oxford in 2022, which found that young people who used Meta social networks were more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, eating disorders and insomnia. The report also found that Meta was aware of these risks, but had not taken steps to mitigate them.

The plaintiff states accuse Meta of violating the California Consumer Information Protection Act (CCPA), which prohibits companies from collecting consumers' personal data without their consent. The states also accuse Meta of violating the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), which prohibits companies from collecting personal data from children under 13 without parental consent.

Meta has denied the allegations, arguing that its platforms are safe and designed to protect children. The company has said it is committed to user safety and is working to improve the privacy and well-being of young people online.

The case is a new challenge for Meta, which is already under pressure from regulators around the world. The company has been accused of allowing the spread of misinformation, hate speech and incitement to violence on its platforms.

Impact of the case

The Meta case could have a significant impact on the social media industry. If Meta is found guilty, it could force the company to change its data collection and content moderation practices. It could also pave the way for similar lawsuits against other social media companies.

Reactions

News of the lawsuit was met with mixed reactions. Some experts welcomed the legal action, arguing it was necessary to protect young people from the risks of social media. Others expressed concern that the case could have a negative effect on free speech online.

Perspectives

The case is still in its early stages, and is likely to drag on for several years. If Meta is found guilty, she could face multimillion-dollar fines and changes to her business practices.