Meta has agreed to a landmark settlement involving dozens of states, committing to pay up to $17.1 billion and implement major safety changes across its social media platforms.
The agreement follows a 2023 lawsuit filed by New York Attorney General Letitia James alongside 32 other state attorneys general. The states alleged that Meta deliberately designed features to harm children and teenagers while encouraging them to spend excessive time on Instagram and Facebook, and that the company misled the public regarding mental health risks.
Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California and approved by U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, the settlement requires Meta to pay at least $12.1 billion to a coalition of states. This total will increase to $17.1 billion if other major social media companies, such as TikTok and YouTube, reach similar settlements with the states. Meta agreed to the deal without admitting liability.
As part of the resolution, Meta will introduce daily time limits, nighttime blocks, and additional child-safety measures on both Instagram and Facebook.
Individual states are slated to receive substantial portions of the funds for mental health services, school programs, and educational initiatives. New York is set to receive between $819 million and $1.15 billion, while New Jersey and Georgia stand to receive up to $725 million and $135 million, respectively.
