A group of families in Italy has called Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok, platforms that they accuse that they have failed to implement age restrictions and use functions and affect mental health.
Platforms attract millions of children. Photo shutterstock
According to documents submitted to a Milan Court, the applicants are asking for platforms to adopt stronger age -verification systems for users under 14 years old, in accordance with the law in Italy, informs Reuters, quoted by AGERPRES.
Families also require the platforms owned by Meta – Facebook and Instagram – as well as Tiktok to eliminate potential manipulative algorithms and provide transparent information on possible harmful effects of excess social media.
“This action aims to stop a harmful behavior”
The action, filed by the law firm Ambrosio & Commodo together with the movement of Italian parents (Moig), uremase to enter the role of the Commercial Chamber of the Milan Court since February 2026.
“It is too easy for children to bypass age prohibition. This action aims to stop harmful behavior for a large number of people.”Lawyer Renato Ambrosio said in a del of Reuters on Monday night.
According to a meta spokesman, the company has committed to guarantee the safety of young people online, and “Adolescent safety should be a priority throughout the industry ”:
“Through adolescent accounts we offer protection methods for adolescents such as limiting people who can contact them, the content they can see, as well as the time they spend on Facebook and Instagram. At the same time we have measures to prevent adolescents from lying to age.”
Tiktok did not immediately respond to a Reuters comment request.
Several countries, including Australia and several states in Europe, have implemented or are about to implement measures to limit the use of social networks among minors.
Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok, accused of attracting millions of children on their platforms
Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok also face dozens of trials in the United States that are accused of attracting millions of children on their platforms, creating addiction.
According to applicants’ estimates in Italy, it is estimated that over three million out of 90 million Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok accounts are used by children under 14 years old.
They say that the use of social media among minors can lead to health problems such as dietary disorders, insomnia, depression and poor school performance.
