Meta has removed Facebook and Instagram adverts by law firms seeking clients for lawsuits related to social media addiction. The move comes after the company lost two high-profile cases, including a landmark trial in California where Meta was ordered to pay $375m over misleading users about platform safety.

The ads, placed by firms like Morgan & Morgan and Sokolove Law, attracted criticism from attorneys who argued that Meta should focus on improving user safety rather than trying to stop legal action. A spokesperson for Morgan & Morgan stated the company would continue its efforts 'to fight on users' behalf.'

Meta’s decision to remove these ads reflects its stance against allowing trial lawyers to profit from social media use, while simultaneously citing harm. The policy update states: 'We will not allow trial lawyers to profit from our platforms while simultaneously claiming they are harmful.'

The removal of such ads has led some to question the effectiveness of such measures in addressing underlying issues. Emily Jeffcott from Morgan & Morgan added that blocking the ads 'doesn't make the harms go away, it just makes it harder on victims.'

Despite these moves, several similar lawsuits are expected as more users seek legal redress over social media addiction.