Court Approves Facebook’s $90 Million Settlement Over Improper Tracking Of Users
According to a report from Reuters, a federal judge from the United States District Court for the Northern District of California has approved a $90 million settlement in a case involving Facebook’s privacy violations. The social media was accused of improperly tracking users after they left the Facebook website. It is one of many lawsuits that Facebook—and its parent company ‘Meta’—have faced in recent years. Here, our New York & New Jersey Meta law attorneys discuss the settlement and the recent social media addiction lawsuits filed against Facebook and Instagram.
Settlement: Facebook Violated Consumer Protection Laws, Privacy Violations
The lawsuit was originally filed against Facebook in 2018. As argued on behalf of the plaintiffs. Facebook was reportedly tracking “likes”, tracking users after they left the website, and then selling that information to third party advertisers. Notably, the particular type of tracking was not disclosed to consumers. The social media company agreed to settle the case for $90 million. That settlement has now been approved by a federal court in California. It is among the largest data privacy settlements in United States history.
Meta is Also Facing Lawsuits for Harming Mental Health of Teenagers
Data privacy is important. There are state and federal laws that require companies—including social media platforms—to protect consumer privacy and/or disclose how they are using their information. Meta—the parent company of both Facebook and Instagram—is also facing some even more serious lawsuits for its role in harming teenagers through social media addiction. Here is what parents in New York and New Jersey should know about these lawsuits:
- Social Media Can Harm Teenagers: There is overwhelming evidence that social media addiction can cause serious mental harm to children and teenagers, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and even suicide. Adults may be harmed as well—but young people are at an especially high risk.
- Major Companies Encouraged Addiction: Top executives at Facebook and Instagram were reportedly aware that their social media platforms were designed in a manner to “encourage” addiction. They were also reportedly aware that young people were being harmed.
- Legal Action is Being Taken: Dozens of social media addiction lawsuits have been filed against Meta and other companies. Indeed, multidistrict litigation (MDL) has now been established.
The social media lawsuits against Instagram, Facebook, and other social media platforms are still in their early stages. Our law firm is representing people and families harmed by the conduct of social media giants. If your child or teenager suffered mental health harm because of social media addiction, we are here to help you fight for justice and accountability.
Get Help From a Facebook & Instagram Lawsuit Attorney Today
At Poulos LoPiccolo PC, our New York & New Jersey Meta lawsuit lawyers are devoted advocates for justice. If your child or teenager suffered harm due to social media addiction caused by Facebook or Instagram, we are here to help. Contact us today for a no cost, fully confidential initial consultation. Our firm provides legal representation to families in New York & New Jersey.
Source:
reuters.com/legal/transactional/facebook-90-mln-privacy-settlement-approved-over-antitrust-lawyers-objection-2022-11-14/
