Brazil Demands $525 Million from Meta & TikTok Over Child Safety Failures
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The Brazilian consumer rights group, The Collective Defense Institute, has filed lawsuits against Meta, TikTok, and Kwai, seeking $525.8 million in damages for failing to protect minors on their platforms.
The lawsuits specifically demand:
- Creation of mechanisms to prevent unrestricted platform use by minors
- Implementation of clear data protection protocols
- Mandatory warnings about mental health risks for children and teenagers
- Algorithm modifications to ensure safer user experiences
This legal action follows similar cases worldwide. In 2023, New Mexico sued Meta and Snap Inc. after discovering 100,000+ instances of child harassment on their platforms. Additionally, 15 state attorneys general have sued TikTok for misleading claims about platform safety.
In response, platforms have implemented various safety measures:
- TikTok introduced child protection controls for under-13 accounts
- Meta launched 'Teen Account' features on Instagram with automatic limitations
- Both companies face increasing pressure to prioritize minor safety over engagement
TikTok has stated they haven't received official notification of the Brazilian lawsuit, while Meta continues to face scrutiny over their algorithmic practices affecting young users.
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