Meta accused of intentionally designing addictive children content for profit

Meta Platforms is facing a major legal challenge in the United States, with 29 states accusing the company of deliberately designing Facebook and Instagram to be addictive to children in pursuit of profit.

The states are seeking potentially tens or even hundreds of billions of dollars in penalties, as well as changes to the way Meta operates its platforms.

The four lead states — California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey — allege that Meta designed its platforms to keep young users engaged, contributing to anxiety, depression and, in some cases, suicidal behaviour. They also accuse the company of misleading consumers about the safety of its platforms.

Meta has rejected the allegations.

To take this discussion further, we're joined via video link by Paul Hjul, Special Advisor at Cybersec Clinique.

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