Meta reaches $18 billion settlement with states in landmark trial over teen social media addiction

Meta has reached a settlement with a coalition of state attorneys general to resolve a landmark trial concerning allegations that the company designed its platforms to be addictive for young users. Under the agreement, Meta will pay up to $18 billion and implement enhanced child-safety measures across its Facebook and Instagram platforms. The settlement, finalized in Oakland, California, concludes a high-profile legal battle regarding the impact of social media on teen mental health.

While this agreement resolves a significant portion of the litigation, Meta continues to face separate legal challenges regarding its products' effects on children. The deal effectively cuts short the ongoing federal trial, marking a major resolution in the broader landscape of lawsuits targeting social media companies over youth safety concerns.