Meta reaches $18 billion of settlements over children's social media addiction

Meta Platforms agreed on August 26 to pay up to $18 billion over the next decade to settle claims that its social media platforms, Facebook and Instagram, were designed to addict teenagers. The agreement, reached with nearly all U.S. states, ends a federal trial alleging Meta misled the public about the safety of its products. The settlement requires Meta to limit teenagers' usage to two hours per day, block usage from midnight to 6 a.m. without parental consent, and enhance measures to prevent access to age-restricted content during school hours.

The total payout represents a small fraction of Meta's annual revenue. Meta denied wrongdoing in agreeing to settle, stating that ensuring teens have a safe and productive experience is an "absolute imperative." The agreements could serve as a template for resolving thousands of other lawsuits against social media companies. Governments worldwide are seeking ways to curb children's access to harmful online content.