Meta Reaches $18 Billion Multistate Settlement Over Social Media Harm To Youth

Meta reached an approximately $18 billion settlement with attorneys general representing 48 states, the District of Columbia, and three U.S. territories over allegations that Facebook and Instagram used platform features that harmed children and adolescents. The agreement was approved by a federal judge on August 27, 2026. Meta did not admit liability or wrongdoing as part of the settlement.

Under the agreement, participating jurisdictions will receive approximately $12.7 billion, or 70% of the allocated payment, over 10 years. The remaining approximately $5.3 billion is contingent on other major social media platforms adopting specified youth protections and becoming . . .