Meta Reaches Potential $18 Billion Settlement in Lawsuit Over Platform Harm to Children

Why it matters locally: While the settlement is national in scope, Minnesota, like other states, has numerous families and educational institutions navigating the impacts of social media on children, and this settlement could influence future regulatory discussions at the state level regarding youth online safety.

MENLO PARK, Calif. — Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has reached a preliminary agreement in a lawsuit alleging its platforms caused harm to children. The proposed settlement could involve payments reaching $18 billion. The agreement was announced during a federal court trial in California. Various U.S. states brought the claims against the company.