Meta has reached a settlement with U.S. states that accused the company of designing Facebook and Instagram to addict children and misleading users about platform safety.
The settlement resolves sweeping claims by a bipartisan group of state attorneys general, but Meta has not admitted wrongdoing. Court approval and implementation of the agreed measures remain part of the process.
Meta Faces Up to $17bn Settlement Over Child Safety Claims
The agreement, announced on August 26, covers allegations that Meta designed Facebook and Instagram with features that encouraged excessive use among children and teenagers, misrepresented safety risks and improperly collected personal data from younger users.
According to Reuters, the settlement could reach approximately $16.68 billion, while official statements from Meta and the District of Columbia attorney general describe a broader agreement involving attorneys general from states, territories and Washington, D.C.
New Teen Safety Rules Proposed
Under Meta’s announcement, the agreement would introduce several default protections for users under 18 in participating jurisdictions, subject to judicial approval.
The measures include:
- A two-hour daily usage limit that requires parental permission to override.
- Default restrictions on access between midnight and 6 a.m.
- Muted notifications during designated school hours.
- Regular prompts encouraging breaks after continuous use.
- Additional parental controls and independent compliance oversight.
Meta said most of the commitments would remain in place for 10 years, while some usage restrictions initially carry a shorter commitment that could be extended under conditions outlined in the agreement.
States Accused Meta of Prioritising Engagement
The litigation centred on claims that Meta’s platform design contributed to harmful or addictive patterns of use among young people and that the company failed to adequately disclose associated risks.
The states also raised allegations involving the collection of personal information from children under 13, including claims under federal children’s privacy law. Meta disputed the allegations and has maintained that it has introduced safety tools and protections for younger users.
Settlement Ends Major Trial
The agreement brings an end to a landmark federal trial in Oakland, California, where state authorities were pursuing claims against Meta over the design and safety of Facebook and Instagram.
The settlement represents one of the largest consumer-protection resolutions involving a major technology company and could increase pressure on other social media platforms to adopt stronger protections for minors.
