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Meta has agreed to pay up to $18 billion over a decade in a settlement with 29 state attorneys general addressing claims that the social media giant deliberately engineered addictive features on Instagram and Facebook. The agreement, which requires court approval, also mandates significant child-safety reforms across both platforms. California Attorney General Rob Bonta led the multistate coalition, alongside officials from Colorado, New Jersey, and Kentucky.
Under the settlement terms, participating states will receive approximately $12.7 billion distributed annually over ten years, with the remaining $5.3 billion contingent on YouTube and TikTok implementing comparable safety measures. Meta’s chief legal officer stated the company will introduce time limits, night mode features, and usage restrictions during school hours. The social media company expects to record approximately $10 billion in legal expenses related to the agreement during the third quarter of 2026.
State attorneys general characterized the settlement as transformative protection for young users. Bonta emphasized that Meta has committed to implementing these changes within months, addressing longstanding concerns about platform safety and transparency. Colorado’s attorney general noted the relief extends beyond typical court-ordered remedies, focusing on eliminating notifications during nighttime and school hours while promoting digital breaks for children.
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Originally reported by Variety →
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