Italy: A series of parents sue Facebook, Instagram, TikTok for 'poisoning' children's minds

A group of parents accused Facebook, Instagram and TikTok of not controlling age and using addictive algorithms, affecting children's mental health.

The lawsuit demands that Facebook, Instagram and TikTok apply stricter age verification systems for users under 14 - Photo: AFP

A group of families from the Italian Parents Movement (MOIGE) has filed a lawsuit in the Milan Court, accusing social networks Facebook, Instagram and TikTok of failing to enforce age restrictions and using addictive features that damage children's mental health.

In the lawsuit, the plaintiffs asked the court to force the platforms to apply stricter age verification systems for users under 14 and comply with Italian law.

They also asked the court to force Facebook, Instagram (owned by Meta), and TikTok to remove algorithms that can manipulate users and provide transparency about potential harms caused by misuse of these platforms.

The Ambrosio & Commodo law firm is defending the interests of the above families. The lawsuit is expected to be heard by the Commercial Division of the Milan Court in February 2026.

A Meta spokesperson said the company is committed to keeping young people safe online and considers it a top priority.

For teen accounts, Meta offers default protection settings to limit who can contact them, what can be viewed, and how long they can use Facebook and Instagram. Meta also has measures to prevent teens from lying about their age.

Meanwhile, TikTok has not responded to the lawsuit.

The Italian lawsuit comes as many countries, including Australia and several European countries, are adopting or considering measures to limit the use of social media by minors.

Back to topic

VNA

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/y-hang-loat-phu-huynh-kien-facebook-instagram-tiktok-dau-doc-tinh-than-tre-em-20251008084406596.htm