Meta faces Australian class action over addictive design and child harm
Minter Ellison filed a class action against Meta over allegedly addictive design.
The lawsuit is on behalf of eight applicants and seeks compensation for Australian users exposed to harmful content or who became addicted to the platforms. The Federal Court issued a suppression order stopping publication of the applicants' identity and details.
Meta said it will defend itself strongly. Australia is tightening rules on tech companies.
The country banned social media for under-16s. It has proposed new controls on feeds driven by algorithms.
In August, Meta settled similar US claims for up to US$17.7 billion. A judge in New Mexico ordered Meta to pay roughly US$25 billion.
A jury found the company misled consumers about data privacy. Litigation Lending Services is funding the Australian case.
It helps families who could not afford to challenge a global tech giant alone.
- 8
- Applicants
- up to US$17.7 billion
- US Meta settlement
- US$25 billion
- New Mexico judgment
- William Nolan
- Minter Ellison partner
Why it mattersThe lawsuit tests whether Australian courts will hold Meta accountable. It focuses on whether Meta designed platforms to hook young users. The case could set a precedent for tech regulation.
AustraliaAustralian parents and teenagers may see changes to how Facebook and Instagram operate if the case succeeds.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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