Meta’s $18 billion settlement: Can Meta really implement teen controls and screen limits?

Meta has reached an $18 billion settlement with several U.S. states over alleged harmful effects of its platforms on children and unauthorized data collection. The agreement outlines stricter controls for teen users on Facebook and Instagram. While many parents and health advocates welcome these changes, their enforcement remains challenging.

Meta plans to implement default two-hour daily usage limits, "Night Mode" blocking app use from midnight to 6 AM, and "School Mode" muting notifications from 8 AM to 3 PM. Teens can also choose a non-algorithmic feed and turn off autoplay. The settlement, with 52 attorneys general involved, includes a condition that rival apps like YouTube and TikTok must adopt these controls and pay a portion of the settlement.

Meta also pledged to strengthen its age verification system and encourage parents to use its supervision tools. While these measures aim to create a safer environment for teens, critics argue that children can easily fake their ages and that these data collection methods raise concerns about privacy. Parents and educators can still employ built-in parental controls on smartphones and download additional monitoring apps.