Daijiworld Media Network - Boston

Boston, Apr 10: Meta Platforms must face a lawsuit filed by the Massachusetts Attorney General accusing it of designing Instagram to be addictive for children, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled on Friday.

The case, brought by Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, alleges that the company intentionally created platform features that exploit the psychological vulnerabilities of young users. The court’s ruling marks a significant development, as it is the first time a state high court has examined whether federal protections under the Communications Decency Act Section 230 apply to such claims.

In a unanimous verdict, Justice Dalila Argaez Wendlandt clarified that the lawsuit does not seek to hold Meta responsible for user-generated content, which is typically protected under Section 230. Instead, it focuses on the company’s own conduct, including alleged design choices and claims about user safety.

The lawsuit accuses Meta of incorporating features such as push notifications, “likes”, and infinite scrolling to maximise user engagement among teenagers, despite internal research indicating potential harm to their mental well-being.

Campbell welcomed the ruling, calling it a major step towards holding technology companies accountable for practices that may contribute to the youth mental health crisis.

Meta has denied the allegations, stating that it has implemented several measures to ensure the safety of young users on its platforms.

The case is part of a broader wave of legal action across the United States, with multiple states and institutions filing lawsuits against Meta and other tech firms over similar concerns related to social media addiction and its impact on children.