Facebook and Instagram to Activate New Teen Restrictions After $16.7 Billion Fine

Meta has resolved 29 US state lawsuits over child safety on Facebook and Instagram by agreeing to a $16.7 billion settlement. The agreement compels the company to implement stricter regulations for teenage users on the platforms. Facebook and Instagram will impose daily usage limits and nighttime restrictions for children. Additionally, Meta will bolster measures to prevent children from accessing age-restricted content.

The company denies any wrongdoing. The deal also settles separate privacy claims related to the Cambridge Analytica scandal. California, Illinois, New Mexico, and Washington, D.C. will collectively receive $459.3 million as part of this settlement. These states had accused Meta of collecting personal information from children without obtaining necessary parental consent.

This latest settlement adds to Meta's increasing legal challenges concerning child safety and privacy concerns in the United States. Earlier this year, Meta faced separate rulings in New Mexico, resulting in multi-million-dollar penalties and further youth-safety requirements.