Meta and its platforms Facebook and Instagram are facing a class action lawsuit in Australia. The case alleges that addictive design features are harming children and teenagers.
The lawsuit was filed by the law firm MinterEllison in the Australian Federal Court. It seeks compensation for current and former users who say they were exposed to harmful content or developed an addiction through the platforms. The firm announced the case in a statement released on Thursday.
Court order and plaintiffs in the Meta case
The class action was filed on behalf of eight plaintiffs who allege they were harmed by Meta while they were under 18. MinterEllison partner William Nolan said the case “raises important questions about the design and operation of social media platforms” and that these would now be considered through the court process.
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On Monday, the court issued a suppression order barring the reporting of any information that could reveal the plaintiffs’ identities or the statement of claim.
A Meta spokesperson said the company was aware of the claim and would defend itself vigorously. Litigation Lending Services said it was funding the action for Australian families who would otherwise have no practical means of pursuing such claims against a global technology company.
Wider tensions over social media rules in Australia
The lawsuit comes amid growing tensions between Australia and major technology firms. Australia introduced a world-first ban on social media for children below 16 in 2025, and has proposed new rules that could allow users to switch off algorithm-driven content on their feeds.
Meta agreed in August to pay $18bn to settle with nearly all US states. Those claims alleged that the company designed social media to addict children.
