Social Media: Was bedeutet Metas Milliardenvergleich für Europa?

The billion-dollar comparison in a landmark US lawsuit against Meta could signal a turning point in regulating tech giants. Just days after the settlement, European Parliament members urge the EU to take tougher action on social media platforms. Green Party MP Alexandra Geese tells the Handelsblatt, "The EU should use this as a spur to finally enforce stricter rules for social media platforms in the European Union."

Fellow EU lawmaker Andreas Schwab (CDU) adds, "The EU must not continue to kowtow to US President Donald Trump." The settlement shows US concerns about youth protection on social media are nearly identical to European worries. "The protection of tech companies that President Trump proclaimed must also be challenged in the US courts," he says.

Meta agreed to a $18 billion, 10-year settlement with 48 US states, committing to major changes like a default two-hour daily usage limit for users under 18 and an overnight access block. Meta denies any wrongdoing in the settlement. The billion-dollar settlement puts pressure on Meta worldwide. It's the largest payment to a tech company in recent years and could set a precedent for future cases alleging addictive design features in social media targeting youth.

The EU, seen as a pioneer in tech regulation, has imposed fines against American tech giants, but they've been far below legal possibilities. EU sanctions in April 2025 amounted to only €200 million, even though Meta generated $200 billion in global revenue. US President Trump had threatened sanctions in trade disputes with the EU, claiming they would translate to tariffs and retaliate harshly.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (CDU) delayed proceedings multiple times. Meta's high damages could have been far more severe in the US. If a judge rules in favor of the plaintiffs, Meta faces potential damages of up to $1.4 trillion—almost equal to the company's market value. The settlement eliminates that financial risk but leaves other legal claims open.

A judge must approve the settlement, giving Meta six months to implement changes. The changes apply only to the 48 US states, not globally. However, the EU is also pursuing a lawsuit against Meta with similar aspects, which could further push the EU to act. Like the US states, the EU assumes Meta's platforms are designed to be addictive, particularly affecting youth and children.

Specifically, the EU accuses Meta of not adequately checking the minimum age of 13 on its Facebook and Instagram platforms. The EU also sees potential risk in highly personalized recommendations and automatic video playback, creating a compulsion to keep using the app. EU regulations demand Meta modify platform design—a significant intervention in the company's business model.

The US settlement also requires Meta to implement stricter age verification for younger users. For the EU, these changes fall short. MEP Geese argues the high settlement amount prevents uncovering even more serious issues. "The EU Commission must clearly identify addictive design mechanisms in its ongoing investigations and promptly impose measures ensuring effective protection for children and youth," she says.

Meta has dismissed EU accusations, citing internal measures like teen accounts. EU experts, however, see the settlement as a half-measure that won't lead to practical changes. Meta has always defined a 13-year age limit for its offerings but never seriously addressed enforcing that limit. The expert also points out loopholes in the current announcement: usage limits can be disabled by parents, and the option to select a feed not driven by algorithms remains.

Child and youth psychiatrists warn that Meta has always defined a 13-year age limit for its offerings but never seriously addressed enforcing that limit.