Rhode Island Child Sexual Abuse Window
From July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028, eligible survivors may be able to file previously expired claims against institutions that enabled or concealed abuse. Contact Andreozzi + Foote for a free, confidential consultation.
ANDREOZZI + FOOTE
Reviewed by:
Benjamin D. Andreozzi, Esq.
Instagram is among the most widely used social media platforms worldwide, with millions of children and teens logging in each day. For many young users, it serves as a space for connection, self-expression, and entertainment. However, litigation against Instagram owner Meta has raised concerns about whether aspects of platform design may contribute to risks of harm, including sexual exploitation and abuse.
Survivors and families may seek accountability not only from individuals who caused harm but also from the companies responsible for the platforms on which the harm occurred. If you or a loved one has been affected, an Instagram sexual abuse and exploitation lawyer can help you understand your legal options.
Andreozzi + Foote is one of the nation’s leading law firms representing survivors of sexual abuse. By focusing exclusively on sexual abuse cases, we provide strategies, insights, and support that general practice firms often cannot offer. Here’s how we stand apart from other firms:
However, you don’t have to take our word for it. Our client testimonials attest to how others have found support and accountability with us.
Recent lawsuits against Meta are reshaping how courts and plaintiffs frame accountability claims by focusing on product design and user safety, rather than only on content moderation.
In 2026, a California jury found Meta and Google liable for harm tied to a woman’s social media addiction that began in childhood. The jury awarded $6 million in damages. Jurors concluded that platform design could be considered defective when it is built in ways that may exploit children and teens.
In a separate New Mexico case, Meta was ordered to pay $375 million in damages after a jury found the company failed to protect minors from predatory activity on Instagram and Facebook and misrepresented the platforms’ safety.
According to a report by the Associated Press, more than 40 state attorneys general have filed lawsuits against Meta, raising similar concerns about child safety, including online exploitation and social media addiction.
Sexual predators often use social media platforms like Instagram to identify, contact, and manipulate children and other vulnerable users. While every situation is different, many cases follow similar patterns designed to build trust, gain control, and isolate victims. Common tactics include:
Instagram’s features are designed for connection and engagement, but they can also create opportunities for exploitation when used by bad actors. These features include:
Instagram’s appearance-focused culture may also heighten risk. Its emphasis on unattainable ideals of beauty and curated self-image, combined with likes and engagement metrics, may intensify validation-seeking behavior and make users more susceptible to manipulation or approval-based influence.
Grooming and exploitation often develop gradually, making warning signs difficult to recognize at first. While no single behavior confirms abuse, certain changes in online activity or relationships may warrant closer attention.
Key warning signs to watch out for include the following:
Whether Meta or Instagram can be held liable for sexual abuse and exploitation depends on the specific facts of each case. Courts will examine what happened, the safeguards that were in place, and how the platform responded to known risks.
Claims may be based on the following theories of liability, among others:
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse from using Meta or Instagram, Andreozzi + Foote stands ready to support you. As a nationally recognized law firm representing survivors, our attorneys are dedicated to securing justice and meaningful outcomes for victims and their families.
Contact us online or call 866-311-8640 today for a free, confidential, and no-obligation consultation.
