Meta to pay up to $18 billion to settle lawsuits over minor addiction in the US

These lawsuits alleged that Facebook and Instagram posed risks to minors, specifically accusing Meta of designing features to encourage compulsive use among young people, downplaying platform risks, and violating child data protection rules. The settlement also introduces new restrictions on the use of Facebook and Instagram for users under 18 in the US. The agreements, which include a multilateral settlement with 47 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands, and a separate agreement with Texas, do not constitute an admission of liability by Meta.

The financial component includes about $12.7 billion to be paid over ten years, with an additional $5.3 billion contingent on conditions such as TikTok and YouTube adopting similar youth protection measures. Beyond financial terms, Meta has committed to implementing new rules for US users under 18, including a default cumulative two-hour daily usage limit on Facebook and Instagram, adjustable only by a parent. Access to key features will be blocked between midnight and 6 AM, and most notifications will be disabled during school hours from 8 AM to 3 PM.

Meta will also enhance age verification mechanisms and tools to prevent children from accessing age-restricted content. Teenagers will receive regular reminders about time spent on the platforms. These meas