Meta Platforms has agreed to pay $17 billion and introduce enhanced child-safety features on its Facebook and Instagram platforms to settle claims brought by 47 US states over teen social media addiction, state attorneys general announced on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

The lawsuits, filed in 2023 by 29 states including California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey, accused Meta of designing addictive products that harmed children. The settlement ends a landmark trial that was expected to feature CEO Mark Zuckerberg testifying before a federal jury in California.

Attorney General Jay Jones highlighted the significance of the deal, noting that the agreement is worth $353 million in Virginia alone and ranks among the largest in state consumer protection history. Jones stated, "For years, Meta intentionally deceived the public about the addictive and harmful design features that have wreaked havoc on youth mental health." He added that the settlement "will put an end to these dangerous practices and deliver meaningful relief that will protect children from online harm."

The settlement includes measures such as eliminating push notifications during weekday school hours, implementing robust age verification, and introducing age-appropriate content controls to prevent bullying and exposure to harmful material related to eating disorders and self-harm. It also promises stronger parental controls and limits on social comparison features.

This legal action follows investigative reports by The Wall Street Journal in 2021, which revealed Meta's awareness of Instagram's negative impact on teenagers' mental health and body image, particularly among teen girls. Former Meta engineering director Arturo Béjar testified that the company prioritized profits over user safety, focusing on maximizing user engagement even at the expense of mental well-being.

Meta stated in a blog post that it is "building on our long-standing efforts to empower parents and support teens." The company emphasized, "Ensuring teens have a safe and productive experience on our platforms is an absolute imperative for Meta. We want to get this right for parents and teens, and that’s why we partnered with state attorneys general to set a new industry standard."

While the four states involved in the Oakland trial did not specify the financial penalties sought, Meta indicated in court filings that potential penalties could reach as high as $1.4 trillion, a figure legal experts consider unlikely.

Sources