Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is accused of exposing children to harm on its platforms while misleading the public and lawmakers about the risks. Internal research conducted by the company and cited in the court filings of a US lawsuit shows that the apps could contribute to increased anxiety, depression, and exposure of teenagers to sexual abuse content. Despite these known risks, the filings say, Meta delayed safety measures that might have protected user engagement and profits.

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In all, the lawsuit includes over 1,800 plaintiffs, including children, parents, schools, and state authorities. It is part of a broader multidistrict litigation in California that also involves complaints filed against YouTube, Snapchat, and

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