‘Meta’s Deception’ About Instagram’s Harmful Qualities Alleged in Massachusetts Suit

Meta Platforms Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg repeatedly dismissed warnings from senior company officials that its flagship social-media platforms were harming young users, according to unsealed allegations in a lawsuit filed by Massachusetts.

According to the suit, as early as 2019, Meta’s head of responsible innovation was telling Zuckerberg that mounting evidence showed the net effect of their platforms on user well-being was negative. Around that time, multiple executives, including Instagram head Adam Mosseri, were pushing for the company to ban filters that mimic plastic surgery due to concerns they were harming the mental health of women and teens.