Meta will pay $17 billion and add stronger child-safety measures to its Facebook and Instagram platforms as part of a settlement to end a trial over teen social media addiction, according to a report by the Associated Press.
The agreement, which settled claims filed by 47 states, resolves a landmark legal case that sought to hold Meta accountable for the role platforms such as Facebook played in harming children’s mental health.
U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers presided over the trial, which was held in Oakland, California.
If the settlement is approved by the court, the money will be paid out over 10 years.
“For years, Meta intentionally deceived the public about the addictive and harmful design features that have wreaked havoc on youth mental health,” Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones said. “The settlement will put an end to these dangerous practices and deliver meaningful relief that will protect children from online harm.”
Meta, which reported $201 billion in revenue last year, said in a blog post that ensuring teens have a safe experience on its platforms is an “absolute imperative,” and it urged social media rivals to adopt the same child-safety measures.
