Minter Ellison Files Class Action Against Meta in Australia
The legal action alleges the tech giant utilised platform features designed to encourage addiction in children and teenagers.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Advertising
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Law firm Minter Ellison initiated a class action lawsuit against Meta in Australia during October 2026. The claimants allege that Meta's social media platforms employ features specifically designed to be addictive and harmful to young users.
Why it matters
The litigation highlights growing scrutiny over how social media platforms interact with minor users and their mental health. This legal challenge coincides with broader corporate pressures Meta faces regarding its global revenue operations and mounting legal liabilities.
Meta reported third-quarter 2026 global revenue of US$64 billion, with advertising accounting for 98% of that total. The company also recorded a US$9.89 billion charge related to teen mental health litigation.
The players
Minter Ellison
This is a major Australian law firm that has filed a class action lawsuit against Meta on behalf of children and teenagers.
Meta
This is a multinational technology conglomerate that owns major social media platforms and reported US$64 billion in third-quarter 2026 revenue.
Litigation Lending Services
This firm provides the financial backing for the class action lawsuit brought against Meta in Australia.
The details
The class action, funded by Litigation Lending Services, claims that Meta platform features are engineered to maximise engagement, negatively impacting youth users. Meanwhile, Meta faces separate international legal pressure, including a US$25 billion penalty ordered by a New Mexico court regarding the 2016 Cambridge Analytica scandal.
Timeline
The Cambridge Analytica scandal occurred during 2016.
Meta reported a headcount of 66,775 as of 30 September 2026.
The Australian class action was filed in October 2026.
The company released its Q3 earnings report on 22 October 2026.
The next Australian court hearing is scheduled for 3 November 2026.
Market Landscape
The lawsuit reflects a broader industry trend where tech giants face increasing legal challenges regarding data privacy and user safety. This positions Meta against a growing coalition of international regulators and legal firms aiming to hold platforms accountable for business practices.
While the lawsuit does not immediately alter user access to social media, it may signal future changes to platform features used by children and teenagers. Customers should note that Meta's ongoing legal costs and litigation charges could influence the company's future operational focus and advertising strategies.
The takeaway
Legal challenges regarding social media usage represent a significant hurdle for major tech firms as they balance revenue growth with mounting litigation risks. Readers interested in digital safety should monitor upcoming court proceedings to understand how potential rulings might redefine platform engagement standards.
What happens next
The Australian court is scheduled to convene for the next hearing regarding the class action on 3 November 2026.
Further reading
For more context on how legal and regulatory shifts affect media platforms, visit the Advertising section.
More information
To learn more about the legal proceedings or participate as a claimant, visit the Australian class action registration portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mumbrella.
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