Meta Platforms must face accusations that it violated Washington, D.C.,’s consumer protection law by allegedly designing Facebook and Instagram in ways that would addict young users, a judge ruled this week, reports MediaPost.

The decision, issued by District of Columbia Superior Court Judge Neil Kravitz, stemmed from a lawsuit brought by D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb. He alleged that Meta developed and implemented features “that induce children’s extensive, compulsive, and harmful social media use,” and that the company misled the public by claiming its services are safe for young people.

“For years, Meta has publicly claimed that its top priority is well-being and that its platforms are safe and age-appropriate platforms for children. However, Meta has known these claims are misleading and continually chooses to maximize profits without limits over the health and safety of children,” Schwalb alleged.

The lawsuit, states Media Post, “is one of numerous pending cases that take aim at social media platforms over the way they deliver content to teens. Tech companies typically argue in those cases that they are protected by both Section 230 and the First Amendment.

“Judges across the country have come to different conclusions in those matters.”

More here.