Meta Platforms Inc. has agreed to implement significant changes to its Facebook and Instagram services across the United States as part of a settlement reached with California and 28 other states. The settlement addresses concerns that the social media giant’s platforms contributed to harmful and addictive behaviors among teenagers.
As part of the agreement, Meta will enforce stricter measures to protect teenage users. These measures include setting daily usage limits, curbing notifications during school hours, and restricting overnight access to its applications. Additionally, the company plans to limit the availability of certain filters related to plastic surgery that are targeted at young users.
The settlement may see Meta paying up to $18 billion over the next decade, with the funds distributed among the participating states, pending court approval. California stands to receive between $1.5 billion and $2.1 billion, while Colorado is expected to gain approximately $615 million.
The allegations against Meta included claims that the company intentionally designed features to increase the time young users spent on its platforms. There were also accusations of collecting data from children under the age of 13 without obtaining the necessary parental consent. Although Meta denies any wrongdoing, it emphasized that the effectiveness of the settlement could be enhanced if other major social media companies like TikTok, Snap, and YouTube were to adopt similar protective measures.
This agreement comes amidst a wave of lawsuits targeting Meta and other social media companies. Families, schools, and government officials have filed thousands of lawsuits over the alleged negative effects of social media on children and teenagers.