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Meta agrees to $18 billion settlement over teen social media addiction
Meta has reached a massive settlement, potentially totaling $18 billion, to resolve lawsuits in the United States alleging that Facebook and Instagram contribute to social media addiction among children. While Meta has not admitted to any wrongdoing, the agreement mandates several new safety features for users aged 13 to 17.
Key restrictions include a 2-hour daily usage limit, a nightly curfew between 00:00 and 06:00, and the suspension of non-essential notifications during school hours (08:00 to 15:00). The company will also offer options for non-algorithmic feeds and enhanced parental controls. A significant portion of the settlement—approximately $5.3 billion—is contingent upon competitors like TikTok and YouTube agreeing to implement similar protections for minors.
The deal has sparked international debate, as the new safeguards currently apply only to users within the United States. Officials and experts in the United Kingdom, South Korea, and Jersey have expressed concerns regarding this geographic disparity, arguing that children globally face similar risks. Regulators in several countries are now facing increased pressure to implement their own legislative protections for young users.
Entities
Facebook · Instagram · Meta · Nazım Elmas · South Korea Media and Communications Commission · TikTok · YouTube
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The settlement includes a payment of approximately $12.7 billion over ten years www.blocktempo.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Push notifications will be restricted during school hours from 08:00 to 15:00 www.guvengazetesi.com.tr · www.sonhavadis.com · www.blocktempo.com · jerseyeveningpost.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Meta agreed to a settlement involving up to $18 billion to resolve lawsuits regarding social media addiction in children www.guvengazetesi.com.tr · www.sonhavadis.com · www.blocktempo.com · jerseyeveningpost.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The new safety measures currently apply only to users in the United States www.sonhavadis.com · www.blocktempo.com · jerseyeveningpost.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Access to platforms will be restricted between 00:00 and 06:00 without parental consent www.guvengazetesi.com.tr · www.sonhavadis.com · www.blocktempo.com · jerseyeveningpost.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Meta will implement a 2-hour daily usage limit for users aged 13-17 on Facebook and Instagram www.guvengazetesi.com.tr · www.sonhavadis.com · www.blocktempo.com · jerseyeveningpost.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The remaining $5.3 billion of the settlement is contingent on YouTube and TikTok accepting similar restrictions www.blocktempo.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Meta did not admit to any wrongdoing as part of the settlement agreement www.guvengazetesi.com.tr · jerseyeveningpost.com