Meta’s $18bn settlement mandates new teen safeguards, but critics warn

internet social media

Meta Platforms reached a historic settlement on Wednesday with 48 U.S. states, agreeing to pay nearly $18 billion to resolve claims that its social media networks are a safety risk to children.

As part of the agreement, users under the age of 18 on Instagram and Facebook will soon see a host of changes to their experiences. New safety controls will include a daily two-hour limit and a night curfew, and youth users will no longer be able to see reactions on posts.

Meta has pledged to add these restrictions to youth accounts within six months. For now, these changes to Instagram and Facebook will apply only to users in the United States.

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