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

Why it matters locally: As a national settlement, this agreement would apply to Virginia residents and could impact state-level efforts to regulate social media platforms and protect children online.

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.