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

Meta reached a $18 billion settlement with nearly 50 US states over alleged harmful effects of social media on teenagers, marking a new battleground in the global fight to protect children online. Australia, which last year became the first nation to impose a social media ban for children under 16, applauded Meta's move as evidence that tech companies possess tools to safeguard young users.

However, enforcement of similar restrictions in Australia has been inconsistent, with studies suggesting 80% of minors continued using social media months after the ban.

Australian Communications Minister Anika Wells criticized social media platforms for their addictive features yet lack of action to curb them. She praised Australia's pioneering law and the growing international support for stricter regulations. Meanwhile, Meta agreed to impose a default two-hour limit on its apps for users under 18 and enhance age verification systems. Despite these changes, enforcement remains challenging.

Beyond Australia, countries worldwide are intensifying efforts to curtail children's access to harmful online content. Poland's digital affairs minister urged the European Commission to impose a €250 million fine on Meta, while South Korea's media regulator called for global implementation of Meta's proposed measures to limit potentially addictive features for minors.

In the Philippines, officials expressed hope that the Meta settlement would bolster ongoing discussions on issues like online sexual abuse and exploitation of children. In the US, social media companies continue to face numerous lawsuits alleging they knowingly designed platforms to addict children and cause mental health issues.