Meta's Big Tobacco Moment: States Sue Over 'Addictive' Instagram
· Technology · Fortune, ABC News (AU)
Four US states, California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey, are trying to prove in Oakland court that Meta designed Instagram and Facebook to hook young users, with Meta facing theoretical penalties of $1.4 trillion. The case targets features such as infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications and personalised recommendation algorithms, the same tools critics call addictive and that make the platforms engaging. Online safety advocate Larry Magid, a former Meta adviser, told Fortune the cigarette analogy only goes so far, likening the algorithmic feed to a grocery store that automatically refills chocolate bars, encouraging gluttony. Magid said he tried switching to a chronological Facebook feed but found it boring and went back, illustrating the design dilemma Meta faces if the court forces changes.
Why it matters
A ruling against Meta could force changes to the Instagram and Facebook products used by hundreds of millions of Indians, potentially reshaping reels, notifications and feed personalisation in one of the country's most popular apps. The case also adds momentum to India's own child-safety and screen-time rules around digital platforms.
Read the original report — Fortune
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