Meta settles with US states over product design and youth harms
Meta agreed to pay up to 16.68 billion dollars to settle allegations from 29 US states that it designed Facebook and Instagram to encourage youth dependence, misled consumers about safety, and illegally collected minor users' data. Without admitting liability, Meta committed to implementing restrictions on teenage users' access including daily use limits and nighttime breaks.
What happened
Meta agreed to a settlement of up to 16.68 billion dollars with 29 US states following allegations that the company designed Facebook and Instagram to encourage dependence among minors, misrepresented their safety, and illegally collected personal data from underage users without parental consent.
The settlement was reached during a federal trial in California. Meta did not admit liability or recognize wrongdoing and denied the allegations, contending that 'social media addiction' is not a recognized psychiatric disorder.
Reported impact
US states alleged that Meta's product design and practices contributed to a mental health crisis among youth.
Index analysis
The states alleged that Meta designed Facebook and Instagram in ways that encouraged youth dependence on the platforms, collected inappropriate personal data from minors, and misled consumers about safety.
Governance controls
Under the settlement, Meta committed to implement nationally new restrictions for teenage users, including limits on daily use and nighttime access breaks on Facebook and Instagram.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.