Florida has asked a state judge to order Meta to implement immediate restrictions on Facebook and Instagram for users under 18 while a consumer protection lawsuit proceeds. The request, filed by Attorney General James Uthmeier on October 7 in Pasco County court, seeks to remove children under 14 from the platforms, limit daily usage for teenagers to two hours, and restrict features like autoplay and infinite scrolling that the state claims encourage compulsive use.
Proposed Changes to Facebook and Instagram
The state’s preliminary injunction application outlines specific measures targeting how Meta’s platforms operate for younger users. Under Florida’s proposed injunction, Meta would be required to take steps to identify and remove users younger than 14 from Facebook and Instagram. For older teenagers, Florida wants a combined daily usage limit of two hours across Meta’s applications.
The restrictions extend beyond usage limits to include controls on engagement features. Florida argues that autoplay functions and infinite scrolling—allowing users to consume content without deliberate action—contribute to prolonged platform use among teens. The state also seeks limitations on advertising directed at teenagers and restrictions on direct messaging once users hit their daily time cap.
Reasons Behind Florida’s Lawsuit
Florida’s lawsuit forms part of a broader series of legal actions accusing major social media companies of designing platforms that encourage excessive use among children. Similar allegations have reached the courts in Tennessee, where Meta faces consumer protection lawsuit accusing it of deliberately designing Instagram to encourage compulsive use among children and teenagers. The state also contends that Meta failed to provide adequate protections against risks associated with prolonged use and unwanted interactions.
Florida’s legal strategy diverges from a multistate settlement Meta reached in August. While other jurisdictions agreed to resolve similar claims, the state opted out of the deal, arguing the negotiated protections-including potential $18 billion in payments-do not go far enough. Attorney General Uthmeier argues that the financial consequences and platform changes do not go far enough to prevent future harm.
Similar settlements have emerged, such as TikTok’s $100 million agreement with Alabama featuring a daily limit for teens. By pursuing separate litigation, Florida is seeking judicially enforceable protections beyond those negotiated in the multistate agreement.
Meta’s Response and Legal Challenges
Meta has dismissed the state’s injunction request as “meritless,” pointing to comparable restrictions on platforms like YouTube and TikTok. The company argues that policy solutions should apply broadly across the industry rather than targeting individual services. Meta maintains it has invested in teen safety measures and denies any wrongdoing in its design choices.
Legal Standards for Injunctive Relief
Under state law, securing a preliminary injunction requires demonstrating four specific criteria: irreparable harm, lack of an adequate legal remedy, a substantial likelihood of success on the merits, and public benefit. The state’s request seeks more than a prohibition on specific conduct; it demands affirmative changes to Facebook and Instagram’s architecture.
Judicial Precedents and Enforcement Challenges
Courts have previously ordered modifications in similar social media cases. In August, a New Mexico judge mandated Meta pay $567 million into a child mental health fund and introduce youth account protections, though the court declined to mandate changes to its recommendation algorithm. The state’s broader proposed changes differ significantly. The requested relief illustrates a departure from conventional consumer protection remedies toward direct product design intervention. A court order requiring changes to widely used digital platforms could raise questions about proportionality and technical feasibility.
