Meta Settles for $16.7B, Enforces Teen Account Limits

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has reached a landmark settlement with U.S. state attorneys general, which could total approximately $16.7 billion, pending court approval. This agreement introduces significant restrictions on teen accounts, including a default two-hour daily limit for usage across both platforms and a prohibition on access from midnight to 6 a.m.

Additionally, Meta will mute most push notifications during school hours and provide prompts after 15 minutes of continuous use, with reminders at 60 and 90 minutes of daily activity. The restrictions will automatically apply to users under 18 in participating U.S. states and territories.

Parents will gain enhanced tools to supervise their children's activities, including alerts for attempts to change protective settings. The settlement also mandates independent oversight of Meta's compliance with these new requirements.

Although Meta denies wrongdoing, the company seeks to resolve ongoing legal challenges regarding the impact of its platforms on young users.