Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, with support from a bipartisan group of 33 attorneys general, has succeeded in preventing Meta's attempt to dismiss a lawsuit accusing the company of contributing to a mental health crisis among children. The lawsuit, initiated in October 2023 and filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, claims that Meta misled the public about features on Instagram and Facebook that allegedly harm children by fostering addiction.

Attorney General Bonta stated, "Meta needs to be held accountable for the very real harm it has inflicted on children here in California and across the country." He emphasized that alongside legislative efforts for industry-wide changes, this legal action aims to establish accountability standards for social media companies regarding their treatment of young users. Bonta expressed optimism about future improvements: "As the home to the greatest innovators in the world and a robust technology sector, California has a particular opportunity and obligation to be a catalyst for change. Meta can and must do better. Our children deserve their childhoods back."

The coalition's lawsuit seeks to address what they describe as deceptive practices by Meta that negatively impact children's mental and physical well-being.