Meta settlement opens new front in global fight over social media harm

Meta's decision to limit teenage usage of its social media platforms in the U.S. highlights the tools at the disposal of corporations to safeguard young individuals online, according to Australian officials on Thursday. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, a government representative stated that Meta had committed to enhancing protection in the country as well.

The $18 billion settlement reached by Meta with the majority of U.S. states over alleged social media harm to teenagers has introduced a new dimension to the international government efforts aimed at safeguarding children and curbing addiction to platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Governments worldwide are grappling with the challenge of restricting children's access to detrimental online content, exemplified by Australia's pioneering ban on social media for users under 16 last year.

Australian Communications Minister Anika Wells conveyed to Reuters via email her belief that social media companies possess the necessary tools to shield young users from the addictive features of their platforms but have opted not to employ them. The agreement between Meta and the U.S. states entails the tech giant paying up to $18 billion over a decade and implementing restrictions on teenagers' usage of Facebook and Instagram.