A group of Italian families has filed a lawsuit against Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, citing concerns over child safety in Italy. The families claim the platforms fail to enforce age restrictions and use addictive features that harm children’s mental health.
The case, submitted to a Milan court, requests that social media platforms implement stronger age-verification systems for users under 14, in line with Italian law. It also seeks to make the platforms remove manipulative algorithms and provide clearer information about the risks of overuse.
The lawsuit was filed by law firm Ambrosio & Commodo in collaboration with the Italian Parents’ Movement (MOIGE). The Milan court’s business chamber is scheduled to hear the case in February 2026. Lawyer Renato Ambrosio said, “It’s too easy for children to bypass the age ban. This action is about stopping conduct that is harmful to a large number of individuals.”
A Meta spokesperson emphasized the company’s commitment to online safety for teens. “Teen safety should be an industry-wide priority,” the spokesperson said. Meta currently provides Teen Accounts with protections limiting contact, content visibility, and screen time, along with measures to prevent teens from lying about their age. TikTok has not yet commented on the lawsuit.
Concerns over child safety in Italy mirror global scrutiny of social media use among minors. Countries including Australia and several European nations are taking steps to limit access or regulate features for young users.
The plaintiffs estimate that over three million children under 14 actively use Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok in Italy. They argue that social media exposure can lead to serious health issues, including sleep deprivation, depression, eating disorders, and reduced academic performance.
Ambrosio & Commodo and MOIGE are also preparing a class-action lawsuit for parents whose children have suffered harm due to social media. This legal action highlights increasing attention on child safety in Italy and the responsibility of tech companies to protect young users.
The Milan lawsuit marks one of the most high-profile attempts to hold social media platforms accountable for the well-being of minors, and its outcome could influence similar cases across Europe.
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