Meta's $18B child safety settlement imposes teen time limits and hides likes
Meta has agreed to a landmark settlement with US state attorneys general over allegations that its platforms were designed to be addictive to minors. The company will enforce a two-hour daily usage cap for users under 18, block access between midnight and 6 a.m., and hide like counts by default. The $18 billion penalty will fund online safety programs and youth mental health initiatives.
The settlement stems from a 2023 lawsuit filed by a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general from nearly every US state. Meta maintains its innocence but chose to settle to avoid legal proceedings. The financial penalty will fund online safety programs, youth mental health initiatives, and related efforts.
Beyond the monetary component, the platform changes are extensive. Teen accounts will face a combined two-hour daily cap across Facebook and Instagram, with a mandatory overnight block from midnight to 6 a.m. Additional measures include hidden like counts, muted notifications during school and sleep hours, prompts encouraging intentional use, an optional non-algorithmic feed, autoplay controls, and restrictions on cosmetic filters. Parents gain override capabilities for several settings.
This settlement could reshape how social media companies approach teen safety across the industry. Other platforms may face similar pressure from regulators, potentially leading to broader age-based restrictions and design changes. Parents gain more control over teen usage, while young users may experience reduced social comparison pressures from hidden likes. However, enforcement challenges and teen workarounds could limit effectiveness, and the long-term mental health benefits remain uncertain.