What could Meta’s US settlement mean around the world – and what now for other claims against firm?

Meta has settled a lawsuit with 29 US states for $18 billion, agreeing to implement time limits and block night-time usage of its platforms for minors in the US. This settlement addresses concerns about addictive product design, but its global impact is uncertain. Meanwhile, other lawsuits against Meta are pending worldwide, including one in Kenya brought by Abrham Meareg, whose father was allegedly killed after Facebook's algorithm promoted posts targeting him. These international claims, particularly concerning the algorithm's role in amplifying harmful content in conflict zones and democracies, remain unresolved and highlight questions about Meta's global accountability.

Meta Platforms has agreed to a settlement of up to $16.68 billion to resolve a lawsuit alleging that Facebook and Instagram were designed to addict children and misled users about safety. The agreement, signed by 52 attorneys general from US states and territories, was announced on Wednesday. As part of the settlement, Meta will implement significant changes to its platforms nationwide within months. These changes include daily usage limits of two hours for users under 18, which can be overridden by parents, and nighttime blocks on app access. Additionally, Meta will ban plastic surgery filters and stop notifications during school hours. The trial, which began on August 18, has been suspended pending the court's review and potential approval.

Meta Platforms has agreed to pay $17 billion and implement child-safety measures on Facebook and Instagram to settle claims from 47 US states. This agreement ends a significant trial concerning teen social media addiction. The lawsuit, filed by 29 states in 2023, alleged harm to young users. The settlement, announced by state attorneys general, is one of the largest in state consumer protection history. The deal averts a trial where Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg was expected to testify.

Meta has agreed to a $17 billion settlement with 47 states to resolve claims related to teen social media addiction. The agreement, announced Wednesday, will also lead to enhanced child-safety measures on Facebook and Instagram. The lawsuit accused Meta of intentionally designing addictive features and hiding their harmful effects on youth mental health, as well as violating federal laws by collecting data on children under 13 without parental consent. The settlement cuts short a landmark trial in federal court in California, which had begun last week. New safety features will include daily time limits, pauses during school hours, robust age-assurance measures, and improved parental controls.

Instagram chief Adam Mosseri testified in a landmark trial where Meta, its parent company, faces accusations of designing its platforms to be addictive to young users, despite mental health risks. Mosseri stated that few teenagers used Instagram's "Take a Break" feature before it became a default setting in September 2024, nearly three years after its introduction. He denied claims that Instagram deliberately delayed making the feature default, asserting that most teens did not want it, yet the company proceeded with its implementation. The lawsuit, brought by 29 US states, alleges Meta intentionally hooked young users, contributing to anxiety, depression, and suicide, while also misleading the public about platform safety. Additionally, states accuse Meta of violating federal law by improperly collecting data from children under 13. The states are seeking approximately $200 billion in damages.

Adam Mosseri, CEO of Instagram, testified in a federal trial where Meta faces accusations from California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey. The states allege Meta knowingly designed addictive features that contribute to the youth mental health crisis. Mosseri defended Instagram's safety measures, including the "take a break" feature, which he stated has been made the default for teenage users. During his testimony, Mosseri expressed frustration with the focus on a single feature, highlighting the company's broader safety efforts. The trial, which began last week in Oakland, California, is part of a larger lawsuit filed by 29 states in 2023. Former Meta employee George Volichenko also testified, stating his team's efforts to make the "take a break" feature opt-out were rejected due to concerns about core engagement metrics.