🛡️ Meta settles $18B lawsuit, introduces mandatory teen limits

Fifty-two US states and territories sued Meta for deliberately making Instagram addictive to teenagers. The case is now settled.

Meta will pay $18 billion, though 30% is conditional on YouTube and TikTok adopting equivalent measures and making matching payments.

Default restrictions for under-18s on Instagram and Facebook:

🔸 2-hour daily cap across both apps, removable only with parental approval
🔸 Night mode — apps blocked midnight to 6 AM
🔸 School mode — notifications silenced 8 AM to 3 PM
🔸 Prompts every 15 minutes of continuous use
🔸 Hidden like counts, cosmetic surgery filters blocked, non-algorithmic feed available

Funds go toward youth safety programs, per 9to5Mac.