Meta has reached a multibillion-dollar settlement with a coalition of U.S. states over allegations involving the effects of Facebook and Instagram on young users.
CBS News reported that the agreement calls for Meta to pay at least $12.1 billion over 10 years, with the total potentially rising depending on future settlements involving other social media companies. Combined with a separate agreement involving Texas, Meta’s overall payments could reach about $18 billion.
The settlement also includes new safeguards for minors. These measures include daily time limits for teens, restrictions on nighttime use, muted notifications during school hours, stronger age verification, expanded parental controls, and limits on features associated with social comparison.
The states had accused Meta of designing features that encouraged compulsive use and of failing to adequately disclose potential risks to younger users. The case also included claims involving data collected from children under 13.
Meta has denied the allegations. The agreement resolves the multistate case while introducing additional requirements focused on youth safety and platform use.
