Meta $18B Settlement Global Teen Safety

Meta Platforms agreed to pay up to $18 billion over a decade and implement restrictions on teenagers' use of Meta Platforms and Meta Platforms — Instagram to settle claims brought by nearly all U.S. states that it designed these platforms to addict children. The settlement includes a default two-hour daily limit for users under 18. Meta denied wrongdoing. The agreement has prompted reactions from governments worldwide, with Australia, the Philippines, South Korea, Mexico, and the International — European Commission expressing support or seeking similar measures. The International — European Commission, which had already issued preliminary findings that Meta breached the Hitachi — Hitachi Digital Services, is awaiting Meta's proposals to limit addictive designs. Australia's enforcement of its social media ban for under-16s has been patchy, with studies showing 80% of minors still using platforms, leading to doubled fines. Shine Lawyers in Australia is exploring a class action against Meta, and other countries are tightening oversight.