A group of Italian parents and several families are suing Meta and TikTok in Milan. They want stricter limits on minors using social media and more openness about how the companies’ algorithms impact children.
The first hearing was held on Thursday in Milan’s business court. The case, brought by MOIGE (an Italian parents’ group) and families, targets the owners of Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. The lawsuit centers on better age checks and transparency to protect children under 14.
Parents want stronger age checks
The lawsuit asks the Milan court to make the platforms use stronger age checks for users under 14.
Reuters said MOIGE wants to protect about 3.5 million Italian children aged 7 to 14 who they say are using social media illegally.
Devdiscourse also reported that MOIGE believes this is a broader child-safety issue in Italy, not just a concern for individual families.
The case is about more than just age checks. The lawsuit also wants platforms to remove manipulative algorithms and give clear information about the possible harms of using social media too much. MOIGE is asking for the same changes.
Platforms push back
TikTok and Meta deny the claims as the case goes on. TikTok said the case is still in progress and that it strictly follows its Community Guidelines, which include rules to protect mental and behavioral health. TikTok also said it removes over 99% of content that breaks these rules and keeps investing in safety features, such as diversifying recommendations, blocking harmful searches, and helping vulnerable users find support.
Meta also disagreed with MOIGE’s claims. Meta said it understands parents’ worries about teen safety online and highlighted its Teen Accounts and other safety measures. The company said it stands by its record and will keep working to protect young people.
Jurisdiction becomes an early fight
The first hearing also brought up procedural questions. Lawyers for Meta and TikTok objected, arguing that Italian courts do not have the authority to judge their actions. Both companies challenged the Italian court’s jurisdiction.
MOIGE’s lawyers argued the opposite. The group said Italian courts have full jurisdiction because the issue concerns public health, and urged judges to use a fast-tracked procedure because of the alleged risks to children. The Milan court is expected to set a calendar for further hearings at a later date.
Europe’s wider social media crackdown
The Milan case comes as European regulators pay more attention to children’s use of social media and the design of addictive platforms. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU is targeting “addictive and harmful design practices” by social media companies with its upcoming Digital Fairness Act. The Italian case can be linked to wider international scrutiny and noted that the European Commission plans to act against addictive platform practices.
This lawsuit puts Italy at the center of the wider debate. Parents and child-safety advocates want to know if social media companies are doing enough to keep underage users off platforms designed for engagement.
For Meta and TikTok, the case tests whether their current safety systems will satisfy courts and regulators who are paying more attention to how social media affects minors.
