Meta, alongside a coalition of state attorneys general, has reached a settlement in a significant trial alleging that the company deliberately made its platforms addictive to young users. California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the proposed settlement, which will see Meta implementing changes to apps like Facebook and Instagram and potentially paying up to $17 billion to states over a decade.
The changes will include automatic daily time limits for users under 18. There will also be restrictions on usage and notifications during nighttime and school hours, as specified by Bonta. He remarked that Meta has committed to substantial changes that aim to minimize the potential harm and will implement them in the coming months. These changes involve time limits, halting notifications during specific hours, blocking apps overnight, banning filters related to plastic surgery, and more.
The lawsuit initiated in 2023 by 29 state attorneys general eventually achieved settlement terms with 47 U.S. states, three territories, and the District of Columbia. It awaits judicial approval. Additionally, Meta has agreed to pay Texas over $1 billion, bringing its total potential payout to over $18 billion.
States such as California and others accused Facebook and Instagram’s parent company of implementing harmful features that promote excessive use among teens and children. The lawsuit also claimed that Meta misled the public regarding the mental and physical health risks of its apps and gathered data from users under 13 without parental permission.
The agreement will halt the trial in California, during which Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg was expected to testify. Meta’s Chief Legal Officer, C.J. Mahoney, said the deal establishes new rules for teenagers’ social media use. He urged other industry peers to implement similar frameworks, emphasizing that it is crucial for success because teens often use multiple apps. Mahoney specifically mentioned TikTok and YouTube, inviting them to follow Meta’s example.
For related takeaways from the settlement, visit TheHill.com.
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