Meta Sets Teen Limits on Instagram & Facebook in US Deal
By ThePip Desk
Meta agrees to a 2-hour daily limit and safety features for teens on Instagram & Facebook in a $16.68B settlement with 29 US states, curbing compulsive use.
Meta has agreed to implement new safety measures for its teenage users on Facebook and Instagram as part of a settlement with 29 US states. This agreement addresses allegations that the social media giant designed its platforms to encourage compulsive use among children.
Key Settlement Figures
Meta will pay approximately $16.68 billion as part of this comprehensive settlement.
The agreement concludes a significant legal battle involving 29 US states.
The settlement introduces several new safety protocols specifically targeting teenage users on both platforms.
New Safety Protocols for Teenagers
A daily usage limit of two hours will be enforced for teenage users.
Push notifications will be disabled automatically during designated school hours.
Overnight blocks will prevent access to the platforms from midnight until 6 a.m.
These measures aim to curb compulsive use and protect underage users, which were central to the states’ legal complaints.
Allegations Against Meta
The 29 US states had accused Meta of intentionally designing Instagram and Facebook to foster compulsive use among children. They also alleged that Meta misled users about safety features and improperly collected data from underage users.
The lawsuit, spearheaded by attorneys general from states including California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey, claimed violations of state consumer-protection laws.
Furthermore, the legal action asserted a breach of the federal Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) due to the collection of personal information from minors without parental consent.
Meta’s Stance and Future Steps
Despite the settlement, Meta has consistently denied all allegations and admitted no liability. This position was maintained as part of the agreement.
Beyond the usage limits, Meta is also mandated to enhance its age-verification processes. This will help prevent children from accessing social media platforms or age-restricted content.
The company must also develop further tools to assist parents and guardians in monitoring and protecting their children online.