Meta’s $18bn settlement may hasten reckoning for social media on child safety

In a surprising turn of events, Meta has agreed to a $18 billion settlement to address child safety concerns on its social media platforms. The trial, involving 29 states across North America, primarily focused on the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), a 30-year-old law predating today's major social platforms. The case centered on Meta's collection and use of data from children under 13.

Despite Meta's extensive investment in safety tools and their use, the company faced criticism over its handling of child safety issues. Whistleblower Arturo Bejar alleged he had warned of harmful activities on the platform, only to see no action taken. Internal documents suggested Meta chose to pay fines instead of implementing changes.

While Meta did not admit to wrongdoing, the settlement requires significant changes to their platforms for younger users, including a two-hour daily time limit, muted notifications, and hidden likes and comments. The new measures aim to better identify users on the platform, a process expected to take a year. Meta's CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, did not appear in court, but the settlement could set a precedent for other tech giants.

The social media landscape may undergo significant changes, potentially impacting user engagement and the industry's overall health.