Meta has agreed to pay up to $18 billion over 10 years and introduce stricter safeguards for teenagers on Facebook and Instagram. This brings a landmark US case over alleged social media addiction and harm to children to an end.
The settlement covers claims brought by nearly every US state. Authorities accused Meta of designing features that kept young users engaged for longer and contributing to problems linked to children’s mental health. The company has denied wrongdoing and did not admit liability as part of the settlement.
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If approved by the court, the agreement will introduce new limits on how teenagers use Meta’s platforms, including a two-hour daily usage cap, overnight restrictions, reduced notifications and stronger age verification.
What will change for teenagers on Facebook and Instagram?
The settlement requires Meta to introduce several safeguards for users under 18. Teenagers will face a default two-hour daily limit across Facebook and Instagram. The limit can only be removed with parental permission. Meta will also introduce an overnight block between midnight and 6 am, while push notifications will be disabled during weekday school hours.
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The company will also strengthen parental controls and introduce restrictions on features that can encourage social comparison, including hiding like counts. Other measures include stronger age-assurance technology, age-appropriate content controls and restrictions on material related to bullying, eating disorders and self-harm. Meta will also restrict cosmetic surgery and extreme makeup filters for teenage users. An independent auditor will review how the company implements the measures and assess their effectiveness.
Why did Meta face the lawsuit?
The case stemmed from a multi-state investigation into how Meta’s platforms affect children and teenagers. The lawsuit alleged that Meta knowingly designed Facebook and Instagram features to keep young people engaged while concealing information about potential risks. States also accused the company of collecting personal information from children under 13 without proper parental consent.
The investigation gained momentum after reports in 2021 highlighted internal research about Instagram’s potential impact on teenagers, including concerns around mental health and body image. The federal trial began in Oakland, California, earlier this month, after California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey were among 29 states that sued Meta in 2023. The settlement now resolves the cases covered by the agreement.
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How much will Meta pay?
Meta will pay the settlement over 10 years. California is set to receive at least $1.5 billion, the largest share among the states, while several other states will receive hundreds of millions of dollars. Some of the money is expected to support programmes focused on children’s mental health, digital literacy and activities outside school.
The full amount could reach $18 billion. About 30% of the settlement, or roughly $5.3 billion, is conditional on YouTube and TikTok adopting comparable safety measures and contributing an equivalent amount. Meta has encouraged both platforms to follow the same approach, including limits on daily usage, nighttime access restrictions and age-assurance systems.
Indrani Priyadarshini is a journalist and editorial professional specialising in technology, artificial intelligence, smart cities, green energy, and digital transformation. With over four years of experience in tech journalism and digital media, she is known for turning complex industry developments into clear, engaging, and insightful stories. Her expertise spans reporting, editorial strategy, digital publishing workflows, and in-depth coverage of emerging technologies shaping the future.
