Meta settles US teen safety lawsuit

• Meta has agreed to pay up to $16.7 billion to settle a landmark teen safety case.
• The settlement will impose new restrictions on how teens use Facebook and Instagram.

Meta has agreed Wednesday to pay up to $16.7 billion to US states and implement major restrictions on how teenagers access Facebook and Instagram, concluding a landmark federal trial in California. 

The proposed settlement, submitted in federal court, resolves claims brought by a coalition of US state attorneys general alleging that Meta deliberately designed features to addict young users, concealed internal data on mental health risks, and unlawfully collected personal data from children under the age of 13. 

"Meta has agreed to make massive transformations that will reduce the risk of harm from its platforms- and will do it within months," California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in an official statement. 

Bonta characterized the outcome as "real change, real transparency, and real enforceable protections for children." 

Court documents note that the agreement does not constitute an admission of liability or formal wrongdoing by Meta, which has consistently denied the allegations throughout the proceedings. The agreement remains subject to final judicial approval. 

Read more: Meta exploited children and misled public, prosecutors say

Changes impacting teen users

Beyond the financial penalty, the settlement requires Meta to implement safeguards for underage users, including a midnight-to-6 a.m. lockout and a default two-hour daily usage limit.