Meta to pay $17.1 billion in landmark settlement over child safety

Meta has reached a landmark settlement with attorneys general from 47 states to resolve lawsuits alleging the company’s platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, were designed to be addictive to minors and harmful to their mental health. The settlement involves total payments of up to $17.1 billion, with North Carolina specifically set to receive up to $645 million.

The legal action follows allegations that Meta violated consumer protection laws by using features engineered to capture children’s attention, downplaying risks, and collecting data from minors without parental consent. Internal documents reportedly showed awareness of how certain features could trigger dopamine responses or contribute to body-image issues through face-altering filters.

As part of the agreement, Meta will implement new safety measures, including default daily time limits of two hours for users and enhanced tools to prevent children under 13 from accessing the platforms. While the settlement is a significant legal milestone, some critics argue the financial penalties are insufficient relative to Meta’s revenue and that the long-term impact on teen mental health remains a critical concern.