Meta and Activision Face Lawsuit Over Alleged Promotion of Firearms to Minors
New York: Meta and Call of Duty (CoD) developer Activision are facing legal action from families of victims killed in a US school shooting, accusing the companies of promoting the use of firearms to minors.
In May 2022, an 18-year-old Salvador Ramos opened fire at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, resulting in the deaths of 21 individuals.
The lawsuit, filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court, alleges that both Meta and Activision “knowingly exposed the shooter to the weapon, conditioned him to see it as the solution to his problems, and trained him to use it.”
Families of the victims contend that Meta and Activision “groomed” young men, potentially leading them toward violence.
According to the lawsuit, Ramos extensively played ‘Call of Duty,’ developing sharpshooting skills and earning rewards typically obtained after substantial gameplay.
The legal complaint also asserts that the game prominently features the AR-15 rifle used in the shooting.
In addition to Meta and Activision, the families are suing Daniel Defense, the manufacturer of the AR-15.
Responding to media inquiries, Activision stated that “millions of people around the world enjoy video games without turning to horrific acts.”
