Meta to Pay Up to $17.1 Billion in Landmark Settlement Over Social Media Addiction Claims

Meta agreed to a landmark settlement with 47 states, Washington, D.C., and several U.S. territories over claims its platforms were designed to addict children and harmed young users’ mental health. Under the agreement, Meta will pay at least $12.1 billion over a 10-year period; the total could reach $17.1 billion if other platforms adopt similar terms. Meta will add time limits, pauses, overnight feed restrictions, parental controls, and age-verification measures. Independent auditors will assess compliance. The changes would apply to Instagram and Facebook for several years ahead.