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NewsWFLA News TampaAugust 27, 2026Hillsborough

Meta agrees to $18 billion settlement and new child safety restrictions on Instagram and Facebook

Meta Platforms has reached an $18 billion settlement with 48 U.S. states that requires the company to implement new age-verification measures and usage restrictions for users under 18. The settlement funds will be distributed over a decade to address concerns regarding the impact of social media on minors.

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Why It Matters

This settlement changes the digital experience for minors on Meta platforms by introducing new and time-management features while committing $18 billion in state-level funding over the next ten years.

Key Facts

  • Meta Platforms reached an $18 billion settlement with 48 U.S. states.
  • The settlement funds will be paid out over a 10-year period.
  • Meta is required to strengthen age-estimation technology for users under 18.
  • New rules include time limits and a midnight cutoff for minors on Instagram and Facebook.

Who's Mentioned

organizationMeta Platforms“The company reaching the settlement.”personJosh Golin“Executive director of Fairplay.”organization48 U.S. states“The coalition of states involved in the settlement.”personAdam Mosseri“Head of Instagram.”personYaël Eisenstat“Director of policy and impact for the Cybersafety Research Center.”personArturo Béjar“Former Meta engineering director and witness.”