The Federal Court of Australia has temporarily barred disclosure of key filings and applicants’ identifying details in a case against Meta Platforms Inc., while Reuters has reported allegations of harm to children.
The public file records an Oct. 9 filing in the court’s New South Wales Registry and lists eight lead applicants. It numbers the case NSD1941/2026, classifies it under Consumer Protection and marks it open. Reuters describes the proceeding as a class action concerning children’s use of Facebook and Instagram.
An interim order dated Oct. 19 names Meta Platforms Inc., Facebook Australia Pty Ltd, Instagram LLC and Meta Platforms Ireland Limited as respondents. It prohibits publication or other disclosure of the originating application, statement of claim and applicant’s Genuine Steps Statement, as well as information that could reveal the applicants’ identities.
Reuters reports that the applicants link alleged harm to material young users encountered on Facebook and Instagram and to algorithmic features they say reinforced compulsive use. The outlet says the applicants claim they experienced the alleged effects while under 18 and are seeking compensation. The allegations have not been tested in court. The public file confirms eight lead applicants but does not establish a wider class size or a compensation figure.
AFP reported that Litigation Lending Services is funding the action. A Meta spokesperson said, “We are aware of this claim and we will defend ourselves vigorously.”
Separately, Australia’s social media age restrictions took effect Dec. 10, 2025. The eSafety Commissioner says covered platforms must take reasonable steps to prevent Australians under 16 from creating or keeping accounts.
The Oct. 19 order says the case was awaiting allocation to a docket judge. The public case summary lists no next hearing date.
