Meta has recently settled a lawsuit brought by 29 states over claims that its social media platforms harmed children. The company reportedly agreed to pay nearly $18 billion to settle the case. The states accused Meta of designing Instagram and Facebook in ways that could make children addicted to the platforms, even though the company allegedly knew about the possible harm to young users. They also claimed that Meta collected children’s personal data without their parents’ knowledge, which they said violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). However, the current deal, which is subject to judicial approval, will introduce stronger limits on how under-18 users can access the platforms.
Meta recently reached an agreement in its social media addiction case where it agreed to pay around $18 billion, which will be distributed over a 10-year period and can be used for youth online safety initiatives and other state priorities. Participating states are expected to receive about 70 per cent of the amount over the decade.
Under the agreement, Meta will make the new protections available to under-18 users on Instagram and Facebook in participating US states and territories once the deal receives judicial approval. Most of the terms are expected to remain in place for 10 years.
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Meta wants TikTok and YouTube to adopt the same framework. The company said teenagers often move between several apps, meaning restrictions on one platform may simply push them towards another. Under the agreement, part of the remaining payment is linked to YouTube and TikTok adopting measures such as a one-hour daily limit, Night Mode and stronger age checks. If both platforms join, some of Meta’s commitments will become stronger, including longer-term limits and tighter overnight restrictions.
Teen users will get a default two-hour daily limit across Facebook and Instagram, while Night Mode will block access between midnight and 6am. Notifications will also be muted between 8am and 3pm, apart from direct messages and important safety or security alerts. Teens will receive reminders after every 15 minutes of continuous use and when daily usage reaches 60 and 90 minutes.
Meta will also let teens choose a non-personalised feed and turn off autoplay. Likes and reactions will be hidden by default, while extreme makeup filters will be blocked. The company will strengthen age checks to identify users who may be under 13 or between 13 and 17. Teen accounts will continue to receive age-appropriate content settings and stronger protection from unwanted contact. Parents will also get more alerts and information through Meta’s supervision tools.