Meta, Tiktok and Kwai in trouble for not protecting minors

The Brazil Collective Defense Institute has filed lawsuits against TikTok, Kwai, and Meta Platforms’ Brazilian branches, alleging that these companies have not taken sufficient measures to safeguard minors on their platforms. Seeking 3 billion reais (approximately $525 million USD) in damages, the lawsuits call for improved data protection and safety measures aimed at young users. This legal action highlights growing concerns about the mental health risks associated with excessive and unsupervised social media use, particularly for children and teenagers.

The Collective Defense Institute, led by lawyer Lillian Salgado, claims that current protections on these platforms are inadequate and calls for clear warnings about the potential for social media addiction to negatively impact youth mental health. “Our focus is on ensuring that companies prioritize the safety of young users,” Salgado emphasized, urging for algorithmic adjustments and stricter controls on underage accounts. Citing policies in other developed countries, Salgado underscored the need for Brazil to adopt similar safety measures to create a safer digital environment for minors.

The companies named in the lawsuits have issued varied responses. Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, stated that it has invested heavily in youth safety, offering over 50 tools designed to protect young users. Additionally, Meta announced plans to launch a new “Teen Account” feature on Instagram in Brazil, which will automatically limit minors’ exposure to potentially harmful content and interactions.

TikTok commented that it has not yet received official notification of the lawsuit, while Kwai reiterated its commitment to user safety, with a particular focus on protecting younger audiences. As the lawsuit progresses, the case may set a precedent for digital platform regulations aimed at youth protection in Brazil.