Meta has agreed to settle a lawsuit brought by 29 US states concerning child safety practices on Facebook and Instagram, with the social media company facing a maximum financial obligation of $16.68bn (£12.26bn), according to .
The settlement resolves allegations that the platforms failed to adequately protect young users from harm. As part of the agreement, Meta must implement specific safeguards for teenage accounts, including restrictions on daily usage and automated blocks during nighttime hours.
The company stated it does not admit to any wrongdoing by accepting the settlement terms.
Background to the case
This settlement represents the latest development in an escalating series of legal challenges against Meta over its handling of youth safety. In August 2026, a US judge in New Mexico ordered Meta to pay $567m over child safety failings, describing the company as a "public nuisance" and adding to $375m in previously imposed fines. That same month, a federal trial began in Oakland that could force Meta to overhaul Instagram and Facebook for young users, with damages estimates ranging from $200bn to $1.4tn and a judge determining the outcome rather than a jury.
Earlier in 2026, a Los Angeles jury found Meta and Google liable for a young woman's social media addiction, assigning 70% responsibility to Meta and 30% to YouTube. In July 2026, Tennessee opened a seven-week trial accusing Meta of ignoring internal research on Instagram's impact on teenagers, while Meta maintained it has been transparent and worked to address potential risks.
What the settlement requires
Under the terms of the agreement, Meta must establish new protections for users under 18 on both platforms. These measures include implementing daily usage limits and automatic restrictions that prevent access during late-night hours, aimed at reducing excessive engagement among younger users.
