Meta Platforms has agreed to significant modifications to Facebook and Instagram and will pay up to $18 billion US to settle claims made by various states in the United States. The states alleged that the apps were designed to create addiction among children, provided misleading information regarding safety, and improperly gathered personal data of children using the platforms. This settlement was reached during a notable California federal trial that focused on accusations of social media companies causing harm to young users.
While denying any wrongdoing, the California-based company agreed to the terms of the settlement. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser emphasized that the primary goal was to protect children, and the relief obtained through the settlement exceeded expectations set by the court.
As part of the settlement, Meta has committed to restricting teenagers’ daily use of Facebook and Instagram to a maximum of two hours and blocking access between midnight and 6 a.m. unless parental consent is provided. These restrictions may be tightened if other social media companies adopt similar measures. Additionally, Meta will implement enhanced measures to prevent children from accessing age-restricted content.
The settlement does not mandate Meta to discontinue personalized recommendations or targeted advertising. It also does not specifically address certain problematic content highlighted by Meta researchers, such as posts on Instagram that negatively impact users’ body image.
The total settlement amount, representing approximately three to four months of the company’s profits, includes payments of over $16.7 billion US to 47 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Texas separately settled for over $1 billion US.
The settlement also resolves lawsuits from California, Illinois, New Mexico, and Washington, D.C., related to privacy claims arising from the Cambridge Analytica scandal. Additionally, the settlement provides for payments of $459.3 million US to these states.
The settlement, which U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers approved, encompasses a wide range of issues and sets a precedent for future cases against social media companies.Various other lawsuits against Meta, Snapchat, YouTube, and TikTok are still pending in both federal and state courts, alleging that these platforms knowingly designed features that contribute to addiction among children and teenagers.
The settlement marks a significant step in addressing the concerns raised by states and individuals regarding the impact of social media platforms on youth mental health.