Meta has settled a landmark US lawsuit over claims it addicted and harmed children, agreeing to new teen safeguards on Facebook and Instagram and a payout reported at up to $18bn.
Key facts
- Meta settled a landmark lawsuit brought by dozens of US states over teen addiction claims.
- The settlement will require Meta to pay a large sum, reported at up to $18bn.
- Meta agreed to new teen safeguards including daily usage limits and blocks on nighttime use nationwide in the US.
- The agreement ends a major trial that had been under way in California.
Meta has agreed to a settlement that ends a landmark US lawsuit accusing the company of addicting and harming children through its Facebook and Instagram apps, according to The Guardian and Al Jazeera. The agreement was reached on Wednesday and curtails a major trial that had been under way in California.
Dozens of US states had accused the tech giant of harming children with what they described as dangerous products. As part of the settlement, Meta agreed to significant changes to its Instagram and Facebook apps, including new protections aimed at teenage users, The Guardian reported.
The agreed safeguards include daily usage limits and blocks on nighttime use, which are to apply nationwide across the US, according to The Guardian. These measures are intended to address concerns raised by states about the effect of the platforms on young people.
The financial terms of the settlement have been reported differently across outlets. Al Jazeera reported the figure as $16.68bn, while The Guardian described the payout as up to $17bn in an earlier report and up to $18bn in a later update.
The case had been framed as a landmark legal challenge over how social media platforms affect children’s wellbeing. By settling, Meta avoids a continued trial in California while committing to platform changes and a substantial payment.
The reporting available does not include additional detail on the timeline for implementing the new teen safeguards or on how the settlement funds will be distributed among the states involved.
Why it matters
The settlement marks one of the most significant legal outcomes to date over concerns that social media harms young users, and the agreed changes could affect how millions of teenagers use Facebook and Instagram. It also signals growing legal and financial pressure on major technology companies to build in protections for children.
Frequently asked questions
How much will Meta pay in the settlement?
The reported figure varies by outlet. Al Jazeera reported $16.68bn, while The Guardian reported the payout as up to $17bn in an earlier report and up to $18bn in a later update.
What changes has Meta agreed to make?
Meta agreed to establish new safeguards for teenage users, including daily usage limits and blocks on nighttime use, applied nationwide in the US, according to The Guardian.
Who brought the lawsuit against Meta?
Dozens of US states brought the case, accusing Meta of addicting and harming children with its products. The settlement ended a major trial that had been under way in California.