Meta faces potential overhaul of Instagram and Facebook after child privacy trial
A coalition of U.S. states has sued Meta, seeking major changes to its platforms to better protect minors under federal privacy law.
A group of U.S. states has taken legal action against Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, alleging that the social‑media giant violates the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). The lawsuit, filed in federal court, claims Meta collects personal data from users under the age of 13 without obtaining the verifiable parental consent required by law.
If the court rules against Meta, the company could be compelled to redesign key features of its platforms, introduce stricter age‑verification mechanisms, and provide more robust parental‑control tools. Lawyers for the states argue that the current design of Instagram and Facebook encourages under‑age users to share personal information, creating a “privacy risk” that the law was intended to prevent.
Meta has defended its practices, saying it already offers privacy settings for younger users and that its data‑collection methods comply with existing regulations. The company, however, acknowledges that the lawsuit could set a precedent that reshapes how social‑media services operate globally, especially as other jurisdictions consider similar protections for children online.
The trial is expected to draw attention from regulators and industry leaders worldwide, given Meta’s dominant position in the social‑media market. A loss could trigger not only platform redesigns but also substantial financial penalties, potentially influencing how other tech firms handle child‑related data.
Stakeholders, including parents, educators, and privacy advocates, have closely followed the case, emphasizing the growing demand for stronger safeguards on digital platforms used by minors. The outcome will likely inform future policy discussions on balancing innovation with the need to protect vulnerable users online.
Original reporting: BBC News.