Meta Platforms Inc. has reached a landmark settlement with California and 28 other U.S. states, agreeing to implement significant changes on its social media platforms, Facebook and Instagram. This settlement addresses allegations that the company’s services contributed to harmful and addictive behavior among teenage users.
A key feature of the agreement includes enhanced protective measures for teens using these platforms across the nation. These measures consist of daily usage limits, restrictions on app notifications during school hours, and limits on overnight app access. Additionally, Meta will curtail the use of certain filters related to plastic surgery that are targeted at younger audiences.
The financial implications of this settlement could see Meta paying as much as $18 billion, which will be distributed among the states involved over a decade, pending court approval. California stands to gain between $1.5 billion and $2.1 billion, while Colorado is set to receive approximately $615 million.
The states involved had accused Meta of intentionally designing features that encouraged prolonged usage by young individuals. They also claimed the company collected data from users under 13 years of age without obtaining the necessary parental consent.
While Meta has not admitted to any wrongdoing, it emphasized that the settlement could have a broader impact if other major social media platforms, like TikTok, Snap, and YouTube, adopt similar protective measures. This agreement emerges amid a wave of lawsuits filed by families, educational institutions, and government bodies, all concerning the alleged negative effects of social media on children and teenagers.