Technology

Meta to Overhaul Teen Safety Features Under $17 Billion Settlement

Published: 26 August 2026 · 1 min read

What Happened

Meta has agreed to pay up to $17 billion and introduce new child-safety measures on Facebook and Instagram to settle a landmark lawsuit brought by dozens of US states. The states alleged that Meta designed addictive features for young users, misled the public about mental health risks, and improperly collected children's data. The settlement ends a closely watched federal trial in California.

Key Takeaways

The settlement is one of the largest consumer-protection deals in US history and could reshape how social media platforms serve teenagers. New measures are expected to include stronger age verification, parental controls, usage limits, and restrictions on nighttime use by minors.

Sources

Sun Times, CNBC