Law professionals have observed a new wave of litigation against social media giant Meta Platforms Inc., formerly known as Facebook. According to a recent lawsuit filed by over 30 US states, it is alleged that Facebook’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg personally rejected a proposition to ban cosmetic surgery filters on the platform. An unredacted version of the lawsuit highlights this decision which irked psychologists and children’s health advocates, and is distributed by California’s Attorney General Rob Bonta, providing a clearer context to these pressing allegations.
These filters, intended to mimic the effects of cosmetic surgery, are believed to adversely impact young girls’ mental health. Citing a significant increase in self-esteem issues and body dysmorphia amongst users, advocates argue that the blatant promotion of unrealistic beauty standards, through the simulation of plastic surgery, contributes to these detrimental effects.
Furthermore, the unredacted suit alleges that misrepresentation of Facebook and Instagram’s safety settings may expose users, especially those under the age of 13, to potential harm. This adds to the growing concern, legal and societal, linked to the protection of young users online.
For more details on the unredacted version of the lawsuit, interested parties can review here.
The original article regarding this noteworthy legal pursuit is nestled on Bloomberg Law.