Meta agrees $17 billion settlement with U.S. states over child safety concerns
Meta has reached a $17 billion settlement with 52 U.S. attorneys general, resolving allegations that the company designed its platforms to be addictive and harmful for children. The agreement mandates new safeguards such as daily usage limits and parental controls on Facebook and Instagram for users under 18. These changes are intended to protect youth mental health by limiting screen time and restricting access during nighttime hours. The settlement is one of several legal actions Meta has faced this year regarding the impact of its platforms on young users. The funds will be distributed over ten years, with a portion allocated for youth online safety initiatives. California Attorney General Rob Bonta emphasized that while financial penalties are significant, the focus lies in changing harmful business practices. Laura Edelson, an expert in social media safety at Northeastern University, noted many of these features could help improve teens' experiences but also acknowledged they may not be perfect solutions.
Tickers: $META
Topics: children's mental health legal settlement Meta online safety