Meta agrees to $18b settlement over claims Facebook, Instagram addicted children

02 September, 2026, 12:30 am

Last modified: 02 September, 2026, 12:30 am

Meta agrees to $18b settlement over claims Facebook, Instagram addicted children

02 September, 2026, 12:30 am

Last modified: 02 September, 2026, 12:30 am

Meta has agreed to an $18 billion multistate settlement over allegations that Facebook and Instagram were designed to get children addicted. The agreement introduces new safeguards for teens, stronger efforts to identify under-13 users, easier reporting, and independent oversight. The case also highlights the ongoing legal tension between child safety, age verification, and privacy protections under COPPA.

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