Italian parents are taking Meta and TikTok to court over children’s online safety

Europe’s battle over kids and social media is getting serious

Parents in Italy are taking some of the world’s biggest tech companies to court over concerns about children using social media. The case targets platforms owned by Meta and TikTok, including Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok itself.

The lawsuit could become one of Europe’s biggest tests for how social media companies protect minors online. Families behind the case say current safeguards are not enough to stop children from spending too much time on addictive platforms.

Millions of Italian kids are at the center of the fight

Italian parents’ group MOIGE says around 3.5 million children between the ages of 7 and 14 are active on social media platforms in the country. The organization argues that many of these users should not legally have accounts.

The parents involved in the lawsuit believe weak age checks make it too easy for younger children to join apps. They want stricter systems that can better verify a user’s real age before access is allowed.

Parents say social media algorithms are part of the problem

The lawsuit is not only about age verification. Families also want social media companies to remove what they describe as manipulative algorithms designed to keep young users scrolling for longer periods.

According to the parents’ group, some platform features may encourage excessive engagement among minors. Lawyers for the families claim internal company documents suggest firms knew certain systems could negatively affect children.

The courtroom clash has already started in Milan

The first hearing took place in Milan’s business court, where lawyers for both sides began arguing over the case. The legal action was filed as a class injunctive lawsuit involving multiple families and MOIGE.

Meta and TikTok reportedly questioned whether Italian courts should even handle the dispute. The companies also challenged new evidence submitted by lawyers representing the parents and the advocacy group.

TikTok says it already removes harmful content quickly

TikTok defended its safety efforts during the ongoing legal battle. The company said it strictly enforces its Community Guidelines and proactively removes content that violates policies related to mental and behavioral health.

The platform also said more than 99 percent of violating content is removed proactively. TikTok added that it continues investing in tools that diversify recommendations and block harmful searches for vulnerable users.

Little-known fact: A study by Associate Professor of Biostatistics Asaduzzaman Khan found that young people who spend more time on screens often report lower levels of happiness and overall life satisfaction.

Meta says teen safety tools are already expanding

Meta strongly rejected the allegations made by the parents’ group. The company said it understands concerns about teens online and has continued rolling out new protections across its apps.

The company highlighted its Teen Accounts system and related safeguards as examples of ongoing work aimed at younger users. Meta also said it plans to continue improving protections for children and teenagers.

Europe is turning up pressure on social media companies

The Italian lawsuit arrives as European leaders increase pressure on major tech firms over online safety. Regulators across the region are paying closer attention to addictive app features targeting younger audiences.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently said the EU plans to target harmful and addictive design practices through the upcoming Digital Fairness Act. The proposed rules could reshape platform design standards.

Several countries are moving toward stricter teen restrictions

Italy is not alone in pushing for stricter rules around children and social media. Countries including Australia, France, Greece, and Spain have explored or announced measures aimed at protecting younger users online.

Spain announced plans earlier this year to ban social media use by teenagers, while other governments have moved toward tighter age limits or stronger platform obligations.

Little-known fact: YouTube is used by nearly 9 out of 10 teens, making it the most popular platform among young users, while TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram are each used by more than half of teenagers.

The case could test how far courts can regulate algorithms

One major issue in the lawsuit is whether courts can force platforms to change recommendation systems. Algorithms are deeply tied to how apps keep users engaged and how companies generate advertising revenue.

If judges eventually support the parents’ arguments, social media firms could face pressure to redesign parts of their platforms for younger users. That could influence future cases across Europe and beyond.

Lawyers say the issue goes beyond entertainment apps

MOIGE’s legal team described the dispute as a broader public health issue instead of a simple technology disagreement. They argued that fast legal action is necessary because children may face ongoing risks online.

The parents’ group believes the effects of excessive social media use can impact emotional and behavioral health. That argument could become a central part of future hearings as the case develops further.

The companies are still fighting key legal questions

Before the court can fully examine the allegations, judges may first need to settle questions about jurisdiction and legal authority. Meta and TikTok challenged whether Italian courts should oversee their conduct.

The court is expected to set a schedule for future hearings later on. That means the legal process could continue for months while both sides prepare more evidence and arguments.

Even adults face growing privacy risks on social media, which is why many users are now paying closer attention to simple ways to protect their social media accounts in 2026.

Big Tech could face a new era of youth safety rules

The lawsuit highlights growing global concerns about how social media affects younger audiences. Parents, lawmakers, and regulators are increasingly demanding stronger protections and greater transparency from tech companies.

Whether the Milan court sides with families or the platforms, the case could influence future online safety debates across Europe.

Want to see how lawmakers are responding? Learn how efforts like the Kids’ Online Safety Act could reshape the internet.

What do you think about the growing crackdown on children’s social media use? Share your thoughts.

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.

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