New Jersey (and 32 Other States) Sue Meta for Exploitative Practices Harmful to Youth

Morristown, NJ — Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, alongside 41 other attorneys general, has filed a lawsuit against Meta, formerly known as Facebook, claiming that the social media giant knowingly exploited young users on its platforms, Instagram and Facebook, while falsely assuring the public of the features' safety.

The federal complaint, jointly filed by New Jersey and 32 other states, alleges that Meta's practices violate the federal Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and New Jersey’s Consumer Fraud Act (CFA), among other state laws. Eight more states have initiated parallel legal actions in their own state courts.

Damaging Impact on Youth

The lawsuit contends that Meta’s deliberate design of addictive features on Instagram and Facebook has contributed to a "youth mental health crisis," causing severe harm to children and teens. The U.S. Surgeon General has also acknowledged this crisis, citing cases that have led to loss of life, family strife, and long-term damage to a generation of young individuals.

“As New Jersey’s chief law enforcement officer and as a parent, I feel strongly that there is nothing more important than ensuring the well-being of our children," Attorney General Platkin said. "Profits – not people, not its most vulnerable users, children and teens – drive the decision making at Meta. That stops today.”

Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, Cari Fais, further added, “Meta knows its platforms are harming children and teens, but continues to make every effort to keep kids addicted without even attempting to abide by federal laws meant to protect the most vulnerable.”

In-Depth Investigation

New Jersey has been a frontrunner in investigating Meta, co-leading a nationwide probe since 2021 that has required thousands of hours of investigative work. The federal lawsuit claims that Meta not only knew of the harm its platforms could inflict but also deliberately intensified such harm by employing features designed to keep young users addicted. These features include infinite scrolling and frequent alerts.

The multistate coalition, of which New Jersey is a part, is also looking into similar conduct by TikTok. The coalition seeks injunctive and monetary relief to rectify the harms caused by these platforms.

Assistant Section Chief Thomas Huynh, Deputy Attorneys General Gina Pittore, Mandy Wang, and Cody Valdez, among others, are representing the State of New Jersey in this matter. Investigator Aziza Salikhova of the Office of Consumer Protection within the Division of Consumer Affairs conducted the investigation.

For residents of Morristown and Morris County, this lawsuit raises urgent questions about the safety of social media platforms and underlines the role that state law enforcement is playing in protecting the community’s youngest and most vulnerable members.

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