Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is facing a class-action lawsuit in Australia over alleged harm to children and teenagers.
The lawsuit was filed earlier in October in the Federal Court of Australia by law firm MinterEllison on behalf of eight lead applicants. The applicants allege that they experienced harm while under the age of 18 and are seeking compensation.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Meta faces a class-action lawsuit in the Federal Court of Australia.
The case was filed by MinterEllison on behalf of eight lead applicants.
The applicants allege harm linked to Facebook and Instagram use while they were under 18.
A court order restricts disclosure of applicants’ identities and specified legal documents.
Australia’s minimum-age restrictions for covered social media accounts have been in effect since December 2025.
The case raises concerns about the design of social media platforms, including algorithms and features that the applicants claim encouraged addictive use and exposed young users to harmful content. These allegations remain unproven, and the court has not determined Meta’s liability.
A court suppression order issued on October 19 restricts the publication of information that could identify the applicants and disclosure of specified court documents. The case has been described as a potential first in Australia seeking to hold a social media company accountable through a class action for alleged harm to young users.
The legal action comes amid increased scrutiny of technology companies over online child safety. Australia’s minimum-age restrictions for covered social media accounts took effect on December 10, 2025, requiring platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent Australians under 16 from holding accounts.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
The case adds to legal scrutiny of social media companies over platform design, content recommendations and the protection of children and teenagers online.
The Australian government has also proposed measures intended to give users greater control over algorithmically recommended content in their social media feeds.
