Meta's $16.7B settlement aims to curb teen use on Facebook and Instagram

Meta reached a $16.7 billion settlement with California and 28 other states over claims it misrepresented the impact of its apps on youths’ mental health. The proposed consent judgment would require safety measures such as daily usage limits, nighttime blocks for teens, stronger age verification, and expanded parental controls, with funds funding youth-online-safety initiatives over 10 years. California could receive about $1.5–$2.1 billion if approved; the remaining money will be distributed to participating states (with some funds tied to other platforms like YouTube and TikTok adopting similar changes). Meta also notes roughly $10 billion in related legal expenses in Q3 2026, and the deal would end the Oakland trial with a waiver of appeals.