Meta has agreed to pay up to $17 billion and introduce sweeping child-safety measures on Facebook and Instagram as part of a landmark settlement with U.S. states over allegations that its platforms contributed to teen social media addiction and youth mental health problems.
The agreement brings an early end to a high-profile federal trial in Oakland, California, involving allegations that Meta deliberately designed features to keep young users engaged for longer periods while failing to adequately address the potential harm. The broader legal action involves claims filed by attorneys general across the United States.
Under the proposed settlement, Meta will introduce stricter protections for minors, including limits on how long children can use Facebook and Instagram each day. The company will also restrict overnight access, pause certain notifications during school hours and strengthen age-verification systems.
The agreement also calls for stronger parental controls, restrictions on potentially harmful content and changes to features that may encourage excessive social comparison among young users. Some measures will also address algorithmic recommendations and privacy protections for minors.
The states had accused Meta of contributing to the youth mental health crisis and of collecting personal information from children under 13 without proper parental consent. Meta has denied wrongdoing and said it has already introduced several safeguards aimed at protecting teenagers online.
The settlement, which remains subject to court approval, could become one of the largest agreements involving a single technology company over allegations concerning children’s online safety. Officials say the funds will support programs intended to address the effects of unhealthy social media use among young people.
The case could also have wider implications for the social media industry as governments increasingly pressure technology companies to strengthen protections for children and teenagers online.
Swifteradio.com
