Meta and US State Attorneys General Reach Settlement in Social Media Addiction Lawsuit
Meta has agreed to pay nearly $18 billion as part of a lawsuit involving allegations that it harmed the mental health of youth.
Meta has reached a settlement with 52 attorneys general in the United States over allegations of social media addiction, agreeing to pay approximately $18 billion in installments over 10 years.
Settlement Petition Submitted to Court
The settlement petition prepared for the lawsuit heard in the district court in Oakland, California, was submitted by Meta and the state attorneys general for the approval of Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers. The petition included allegations that Meta made youth addicted through its technology and platforms.
Allegations Denied and Agreement Reached
While Meta denied the allegations leveled against it, the parties took a joint step by reaching a consensus to resolve the legal process without the need for further litigation.
New Restrictions Imposed on Young Users
To protect young users, Meta has committed to introducing daily usage limits, nighttime usage restrictions, age verification measures, and additional protective tools for parents.
Payments to be Made Over a Ten-Year Period
Under the agreement signed with 52 US attorneys general, the company will make payments in annual installments over a ten-year period to fund initiatives aimed at the online safety of youth.
History of the Lawsuit and the Role of States
Numerous US states, including California, New York, and Colorado, filed a lawsuit against Meta in October 2023, claiming that the company used designs that intentionally addicted children.