Meta Platforms reached a settlement with 29 U.S. states to resolve allegations regarding child safety on Facebook and Instagram. The company will pay a maximum of $16.68 billion.
The lawsuit claimed Meta knowingly designed addictive features and improperly collected data from underage users. Meta reached the agreement during a federal trial in California.
The company will implement mandatory daily usage limits and nighttime blocks for teenage users. Meta did not admit wrongdoing as part of the settlement. This resolution addresses years of scrutiny regarding the impact of social media on youth mental health.