Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has agreed to pay up to $16.68 billion to settle claims brought by US states over allegations that its social media platforms were designed to keep children and teenagers hooked.
The settlement was reached during a federal trial in California involving 29 US states. The states accused Meta of using features that encouraged excessive engagement, misleading users about safety and improperly collecting personal information from children.
Under the agreement, Meta will introduce stronger protections for teenage users, including daily usage limits, nighttime restrictions and additional measures to prevent minors from accessing age-restricted content. Parental controls will also be strengthened.
Meta has denied wrongdoing and did not admit liability as part of the settlement.
The agreement brings an end to the federal trial involving the 29 states, although it forms part of a much broader legal battle over the alleged impact of social media on children and teenagers. Meta and other major technology companies continue to face lawsuits alleging that their platforms contribute to harm among young users.
The settlement is also expected to bring significant changes to how teenagers use Facebook and Instagram in the United States, with measures aimed at limiting excessive screen time and improving parental oversight.
