State Prosecutors Accuse Meta of Deliberately Engaging Young Users with Addictive Technology. (CBS News)
A group of state prosecutors recently unsealed a complaint alleging that the company behind Facebook and Instagram has been deliberately engaging children and teenagers on these platforms for extended periods to acquire personal information and sell it to advertisers.
In October, attorneys general from 33 states filed a federal lawsuit against Meta, the company formerly known as Facebook. However, the specific details of the complaint were not disclosed at the time. The unsealed complaint now reveals detailed allegations by state prosecutors, asserting that Meta intentionally harmed young users on Facebook and Instagram through manipulative algorithms and technological tools.
The prosecutors claim that Meta utilized these techniques to entice and sustain user engagement, all while collecting personal data for advertisers, including data from minors without the necessary parental consent, which is mandated by law.
The lawsuit involves attorneys general from various states, contending that excessive usage of Facebook or Instagram by teens and children can lead to physical and mental harm, as outlined in the 233-page complaint.
State prosecutors built their case using internal communications such as emails and earnings call transcripts, emphasizing the immense value Meta places on the personal information and time of young users for corporate profits.
Meta responded to the joint suit in October, expressing disappointment with the approach taken by the attorneys general. The company emphasized its commitment to providing safe and positive online experiences for teens and their families through the introduction of over 30 tools.
In a recent statement, a Meta spokesperson disputed the complaint, stating that it misrepresents their practices by selectively quoting and highlighting specific documents.
The complaint alleges that Meta's business strategy is rooted in increasing user engagement, referred to as "time spent." Longer user engagement on Facebook or Instagram allows the platform to amass more personal data, enhancing targeted advertising and revenue generation.
According to the complaint, Meta employs "recommendation algorithms" to retain users by displaying content tailored to individual preferences, subsequently maximizing time spent and data collection.
The lawsuit accuses Meta of gathering personal data from all Facebook and Instagram users, including those below the age of consent, without obtaining parental consent, which is a violation of the Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule of 1998, prosecutors claim.
Meta responded by stating that Instagram prohibits users under 13 and removes underage accounts when identified. The company also highlighted the challenges in verifying the age of online users, particularly those under 13, advocating for federal legislation mandating parental approval for teen app downloads.
The impact of Meta platforms on young users gained significant attention in 2021 when former Meta employee Frances Haugen disclosed internal company research suggesting Instagram exacerbates mental health issues for specific teenage girls. California Attorney General Rob Bonta emphasized the damning nature of the unredacted federal complaint, claiming it confirms Meta's awareness of the adverse effects on children.
