Meta faces Australian lawsuit over alleged social media harm to children | Child Rights News
Class Action Lawsuit in Australia Targets Meta Over Social Media Harm
Published on October 22, 2026
Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is facing a class action lawsuit in Australia, alleging that the design features of its social media platforms contribute to harmful effects on children and teenagers.
The lawsuit, filed by the law firm MinterEllison in the Australian Federal Court, seeks compensation for current and former users who claim they experienced addiction or were exposed to harmful content while using Facebook and Instagram.
“This proceeding raises important questions about the design and operation of social media platforms and their impact on children and teenagers in Australia,” said MinterEllison partner William Nolan in a statement. “Those questions will now be considered through the Federal Court process.”
The plaintiffs, eight individuals who allege they suffered harm from Meta while under the age of 18, have been granted anonymity due to a court suppression order issued earlier this week, which prohibits the disclosure of any identifying information.
In response to the lawsuit, a Meta spokesperson stated, “We are aware of this claim and we will defend ourselves vigorously.”
The class action is funded by Litigation Lending Services, which supports families pursuing legal action who may lack the means to confront a multinational technology firm.
This legal challenge occurs against a backdrop of escalating tensions between Australian regulators and Big Tech companies, particularly following the implementation of a historic ban on social media for users under 16 in 2025. Additionally, new proposals could allow users to opt out of algorithm-driven content on their feeds.
In August, Meta agreed to pay $18 billion to settle claims in the United States that it designed its platforms in ways that foster addiction among children.
