Meta to pay 47 states up to $17.1B in landmark child safety settlement

By: Anna Claire Vollers

Outlets: Stateline

Published: August 26, 2026

Words: 1,116

Last Updated: 1 month, 3 weeks ago

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Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram, on Wednesday agreed to pay 47 states, the District of Columbia, and a handful of U.S. territories, up to $17.1 billion in penalties over claims that its social media platforms are addictive and a danger to children.

As part of the settlement, Meta also pledged to make changes to Instagram and Facebook that are designed to reduce young people’s use of the platforms.

“Meta intentionally exploited kids …

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