Meta’s Attempt to Toss AGs’ Child Harm Suit Faces Doubtful Judge

Meta Platforms Inc. may have to face a wide-ranging lawsuit from dozens states’ attorneys general alleging Facebook and Instagram harm children and violate federal privacy law after a federal judge Friday appeared skeptical about dismissing the dispute.

During a hearing in Oakland, Calif., US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers indicated she might allow the state AGs to advance at least some claims against the social media giant, including violations of the Child Online Privacy Protection Act, unfair business practices, and misrepresentations.

Rogers reiterated frequently that at this early stage of the case the state law enforcement agencies only need to ...