WASHINGTON: Meta Platforms has agreed to pay up to $18 billion over the next decade and introduce major restrictions on teenage use of Facebook and Instagram under settlements with nearly all US states.
The agreements resolve claims that Meta designed its social media platforms in ways that could make children excessively dependent on them and misled the public about their safety.
Strict Limits on Teenagers’ Social Media Use
Under the settlement, Meta will limit teenagers’ use of Facebook and Instagram to two hours per day. Access will also be blocked between midnight and 6am, unless parents provide consent.
The company will further disable most push notifications for teenage users during school hours, between 8am and 3pm, and strengthen measures aimed at preventing children from accessing age-restricted content.
These restrictions could become even stricter if other major social media platforms, including Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube, adopt similar child-protection measures.
However, the agreement does not require Meta to end personalised content recommendations or targeted advertising. It also does not directly address some other concerns, including content that may negatively affect teenagers’ body image.
Meta Denies Wrongdoing
Meta denied any wrongdoing while agreeing to settle the lawsuits. The company said providing teenagers with a safe and productive experience on its platforms remained an important priority.
US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers approved the main settlement, calling it a positive step forward. The agreement brings an end to a federal trial that had begun on August 18.
The settlement includes guaranteed payments of approximately $12.7 billion, with the total potentially rising to $18 billion depending on whether other major social media companies introduce comparable protections for children.
Meta Rejects Claims It Designed Facebook and Instagram to Addict Children
Billions of Dollars to Be Paid to US States
Meta will pay up to $16.7 billion to 47 US states, Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands.
California could receive around $2.2 billion, while New York may receive approximately $1.1 billion. Texas previously reached a separate settlement worth more than $1 billion.
The company will also pay $459 million to settle state privacy claims linked to the Cambridge Analytica data scandal.
Legal Challenges Continue
The settlement does not end Meta’s legal troubles. The company still faces thousands of lawsuits from individuals, school districts and government bodies alleging that social media companies knowingly encouraged addictive behaviour and contributed to a mental health crisis among young people.
Meanwhile, Florida and New Mexico did not join the latest settlement and intend to continue their legal action against Meta.
The agreement could nevertheless become an important model for future legal action and regulation as governments worldwide continue efforts to strengthen protections for children on social media.
