Meta has agreed to a proposed settlement with 51 state attorneys general, California said.
Why it matters: The deal would resolve one of Meta's biggest legal threats over teen use of Facebook and Instagram. It also adds pressure on social platforms facing scrutiny over youth protections and product design.
- California Attorney General Rob Bonta said the proposed settlement resolves claims by 51 attorneys general.
- Reuters reported the deal value as up to $16.68 billion over 10 years; California's announcement described it as up to $17 billion.
- The states alleged Meta's Facebook and Instagram design harmed children and teens and misled the public about safety.
- California said the settlement would include stronger default protections for minors and limits on notifications.
Meta has reached a proposed settlement with 51 state attorneys general over allegations that Facebook and Instagram used addictive design features and misled users about safety, California Attorney General Rob Bonta said. California's announcement described the payment as up to $17 billion over 10 years, while Reuters reported the figure as up to $16.68 billion.
The states' case accused Meta of harming children and teens and improperly collecting children's personal data. Reuters reported the claims were being heard in federal court in Oakland, California, and AP also said the matter was in federal court there.
California said the settlement includes stronger default protections for minors, notification limits and other youth-safety changes on Facebook and Instagram. The state also said the agreement resolves claims by a bipartisan coalition of 51 attorneys general. California's announcement said the deal addresses the states' allegations about Meta's product design and public statements on safety.
The agreement may not end every related case. Counsel for individual plaintiffs and school districts said those claims remain separate, according to MLex.
Yes, but: The deal is still a proposed settlement, and Reuters and California used slightly different rounded figures for the payment.
What's next: The court still has to approve the proposed settlement.