**Title: Meta’s Mega-Settlement Faces Criticism Over Child Safety Measures**
In a recent development, Meta Platforms Inc. reached a multibillion-dollar settlement with a coalition of U.S. states, including California, addressing allegations of harm to children on its social media platforms, Facebook and Instagram. The settlement, announced during a federal trial last week, aims to resolve claims that Meta intentionally designed its platforms to be addictive for minors and misled the public about associated risks.
The agreement, which could amount to payments of up to $17 billion, introduces new restrictions for users under the age of 18. These measures include a default limit of two hours of daily usage across Facebook and Instagram, restrictions on access between midnight and 6 a.m. unless overridden by a parent, muted notifications during school hours, hidden like counts, and a ban on filters that simulate cosmetic surgery or extreme makeup. Additionally, young users will have the option to select a non-personalized feed. An independent auditor will oversee Meta’s compliance with these new regulations.
Despite the significant financial implications of the settlement, some critics argue that the measures do not go far enough to protect children. Arturo Bejar, a former member of Meta's safety team and a key witness in the case, expressed his concerns in an interview with Politico. Bejar, who has spoken with approximately 40 parents who have lost children due to issues related to social media, stated, “These changes would not have saved one of those lives if they had been in place.” He criticized Meta's ability to define harm on its own terms, suggesting that the company could manipulate the narrative surrounding its practices.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta acknowledged that while the settlement provides essential protections for children and teenagers, further action is necessary to ensure their safety online. Meta's spokesperson, Andy Stone, defended the settlement, stating that it was the result of extensive discussions with state attorneys general and reaffirmed the company's commitment to protecting young users. Throughout the proceedings, Meta has denied any wrongdoing and has maintained that it has implemented various measures to safeguard children and teenagers on its platforms. The company also disputes the characterization of Facebook and Instagram as deliberately addictive, claiming that “social media addiction” is not recognized as a psychiatric condition.
It is important to note that no jury has ruled on the allegations against Meta, and CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who was anticipated to testify, did not take the stand during the trial. The company continues to confront thousands of individual lawsuits related to claims of harm to young users.
In a related matter, the European Commission recently found Meta in violation of its Digital Services Act (DSA) due to the "addictive design" of its platforms. Meta is currently reviewing the case files from the EU and preparing its formal legal response.
As discussions around the settlement and its implications continue, the conversation about the responsibility of social media companies in protecting young users remains at the forefront of public discourse.