Meta Reaches $16.7 Billion Settlement Over Social Media Addiction Lawsuits

Meta has agreed to pay $16.7 billion to settle federal lawsuits brought by 29 U.S. states, including California, alleging that the company downplayed the negative impact of Facebook and Instagram on youth mental health. Led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, the settlement requires Meta to implement stricter usage limits, nighttime blocks, enhanced parental controls, and improved age verification. The agreement follows testimony from Instagram head Adam Mosseri and awaits final court approval.