Meta to pay $18 billion to settle US lawsuits over teen social media addiction

Meta Platforms has agreed to pay up to $18 billion over the next decade and implement strict limits on how teenagers use Facebook and Instagram. This settlement with nearly all U.S. states resolves claims that the social media giant designed its platforms to addict children. The agreement concludes a federal trial that alleged Meta's products harmed young users and that the company misled the public about their safety. While Meta will not undergo a complete overhaul, the accords represent a significant effort to shape how the company serves its younger demographic. This could potentially serve as a template for resolving numerous other lawsuits targeting social media companies globally, as governments worldwide grapple with curbing children's access to harmful online content. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser stated, "The focus of this case was to protect our kids. The relief we are getting in this settlement is very meaningful and well beyond what any court has ordered or is likely to order." Under the terms, Meta will restrict teenagers to two hours of use per day on Facebook and Instagram and block all usage from midnight to 6 a.m., unless parents provide consent. These limits may become stricter if platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube adopt similar measures. Additionally, Meta will disable most push notifications for teen users during school hours (8 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and enhance measures to prevent underage users from accessing age-restricted content. Despite these changes, the settlement does not require Meta to abandon personalized recommendations or targeted advertising. It also does not address certain content that Meta's own researchers identified as particularly problematic, such as posts that negatively impacted users' body image on Instagram. Meta denied any wrongdoing in agreeing to the settlement, stating in a blog post, "Ensuring teens have a safe and productive experience on our platforms is an absolute imperative for Meta. We want to get this right for parents and teens." The total payout of approximately $16.7 billion to 47 U.S. states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the Northern Mariana Islands represents about three to four months of Meta's profit. California is expected to receive $2.2 billion, and New York could receive $1.1 billion. Texas reached a separate settlement exceeding $1 billion. Some states plan to deposit these funds into general accounts, while others will earmark portions for children's mental health initiatives.

“

The focus of this case was to protect our kids. The relief we are getting in this settlement is very meaningful and well beyond what any court has ordered or is likely to order.