Meta Reaches Landmark $18 Billion Settlement Over Teen Social Media Addiction

Meta has agreed to pay up to $18 billion and implement stronger child-safety measures on its Facebook and Instagram platforms as part of a landmark legal settlement. This agreement resolves claims from nearly every U.S. state regarding the platforms' role in undermining children's mental health, targeting features designed to hook young people's attention. The settlement includes provisions for default time limits, disabling 'like' counts, eliminating push notifications during weekday school hours, and robust age-assurance measures.