Foundation SOMI Officially Files Class Action Lawsuit Against Meta in Denmark

The lawsuit follows a formal warning letter sent to Meta on September 29th, 2025. According to SOMI, Meta essentially did not respond to this letter.

In the claim, SOMI alleges that Facebook and Instagram are deliberately designed to be addictive. The foundation argues that Meta has systematically exploited the psychological vulnerabilities of children and adolescents in order to maximize user engagement, collect personal data, and generate advertising revenue. The lawsuit further states that Meta has failed to implement effective age verification mechanisms, allowing minors to access the platforms with minimal oversight. As a result, in the opinion of SOMI, children have deliberately been exposed to addictive platform features and harmful content without meaningful protection.

SOMI further asserts that Meta has long been aware of the harms associated with its platforms. Internal research, as well as warnings from employees, whistleblowers, experts, legislators and other stakeholders, have repeatedly highlighted the risks to underage users. According to the claim, internal studies demonstrated that certain design changes could significantly reduce harm. However, SOMI argues that Meta chose not to implement such changes because doing so could have reduced user engagement and thus advertising revenues.

The lawsuit also emphasizes the broader societal impact of these platform designs. Features such as algorithmic recommendation systems, infinite scrolling, social comparison mechanisms, fear-of-missing-out (FOMO) triggers, and beauty filters have been linked to rising levels of depression, anxiety, sleep disruption, body dissatisfaction, eating disorders, and declining academic performance among young users.

According to the claim, these practices constitute violations of several European and Danish laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Digital Services Act (DSA), and the AI Act. SOMI has also filed lawsuits against Meta in The Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany.

Demands

Through this lawsuit, SOMI requests that the court declare that Meta has violated applicable European and Danish laws and order Meta to modify or remove harmful design features from its platforms. SOMI also seeks to compel Meta to implement effective age verification through, in the case of Denmark, MitID to ensure that minors cannot access the platforms without appropriate safeguards.

In addition, the foundation seeks an order requiring Meta to cease the marketing and monetization of services based on data collected from children and to pay compensation of DKK 25,000 to each affected minor for the psychological and social harm suffered.

SOMI further requests that Meta provide access to the data received from, or generated by, participants of this class action lawsuit in connection with their use of Facebook and Instagram. This access would give back participants control as well as a clear view of how the platforms affect them and ensure greater transparency in how the platforms operate.

Registration of the lawsuit

Individuals who wish to participate in the lawsuit can register via Metaclaim.dk. A registration fee of DKK 800 applies, in accordance with the Danish Collective Redress Act (Law No. 406 of April 25th, 2023, gruppesøgsmålloven). This fee contributes to covering part of the litigation costs and supports SOMI’s advocacy activities across Europe in line with its statutory objectives as a non-profit organization.

Individuals are eligible to participate in the lawsuit if they used Facebook or Instagram while residing in Denmark and were under the age of 18 at any time after February 28th, 2023. Participation is still possible for individuals who have since reached the age of 18. Parents or legal guardians may also register on behalf of children who used Facebook or Instagram after February 28th, 2023.

Legal Representation

SOMI is represented by the law firm Lassen Ricard in this lawsuit.

About SOMI

Stichting Onderzoek Marktinformatie (SOMI) is a non-profit organization focused on societal issues. SOMI is recognized by the European Commission as an organization active in data protection and data autonomy, and it advocates for the protection of fundamental rights for consumers and minors using a range of online services.

Through its app, SOMI gives individuals control over their personal data: “All your data. All yours.” The organization uncovers malpractices, informs the public, and supports those who have been harmed – including through collective actions, injunctions, and the enforcement of compensation claims. SOMI is currently investigating legal violations by numerous digital service providers and social media platforms.

The SOMI app also assists consumers in exercising their individual GDPR rights in requesting their personal data from online platforms. The SOMI app is available for download on both the App Store and Google Play.