Meta's Instagram linked to depression, anxiety, insomnia in kids - US states' lawsuit

Loading player...
GUEST – Mudiwa Gavaza - business writer for the Business Day and Financial Mail

Dozens of states are suing Meta, alleging the tech giant has deliberately engineered its social media platforms Instagram and Facebook to be addictive to children and teens. Attorneys general from states ranging from California to Wisconsin filed federal lawsuits on Tuesday, accusing Meta of intentionally turning kids into social-media addicts.

The lawsuits claim that Meta was motivated to keep children hooked in order to boost profits, and allege that Meta routinely collects data on children under 13 without their parents' consent, in violation of federal law. Features like "infinite scroll" and constant streams of alerts are hooking children and teens, contributing to the mental health crisis that now affects many young people, the states allege. The lawsuits come after failed settlement discussions with Meta, according to the Wall Street Journal.
25 Oct 2023 4PM English South Africa Business News · Investing

Other recent episodes

Paymenow data shows SA workers lose 40% of purchasing power.

A new Paymenow analysis shows South African workers have lost more than 40% of their purchasing power over the past decade—even as headline inflation stayed within target. Rene Richter, Reward & Benefits Lead Advisor at Paymenow, joins Kaya Biz to unpack why wages aren’t keeping up, how transport and utilities…
21 May 2PM 10 min

Oceana H1 Results: Lucky Star Shines as Fishmeal Stumbles

Oceana Group has delivered a resilient set of interim results despite a 6% drop in revenue. Lucky Star and Wild Caught Seafood carried the half‑year, while Fishmeal & Fish Oil struggled under weak catch volumes and global pricing pressure. CFO Zaf Mahomed joins Kaya Biz to break down margins, cash…
21 May 2PM 18 min

Inside Investec’s Strong 2026 SA Performance

Investec SA has delivered a robust full‑year performance in a tough macro environment. CEO Cumesh Moodliar joins Kaya Biz to unpack the 5.2% rise in SA operating profit, strong momentum in specialist banking, wealth inflows, digital transformation, and what the bank expects from the South African economy heading into 2027.
21 May 2PM 13 min

Stats SA Explains April’s Sharp Inflation Rise to 4%

South Africa’s inflation rate surged to 4.0% in April, driven by fuel, transport, and housing pressures. Stats SA’s Patrick Kelly unpacks the numbers, the 1.1% month‑on‑month spike, and what’s behind the dramatic swing in transport inflation. We explore regional differences, goods vs. services inflation, and what this means for households…
20 May 4PM 11 min

4% Inflation and the SARB’s Next Move

With inflation back at 4% and oil‑driven risks rising, the SARB faces a critical decision next week. Economist Sifiso Skenjana unpacks the April CPI print, the credibility of the new 3% target, and whether a rate hike is now on the table. We discuss real interest rates, global financial conditions,…
20 May 4PM 15 min