Meta Reaches $17 Billion Settlement with States Over Child Safety

Why it matters locally: While the details of the settlement are still emerging, any changes to Meta's child safety practices could affect young users and families across South Dakota who utilize Facebook and Instagram.

OAKLAND, Calif. — Social media company Meta has reached a nearly $17 billion settlement with a group of states. The agreement addresses Meta's child safety practices across its platforms. This development in 2026 coincides with increased scrutiny from regulators and lawmakers globally regarding the practices of major technology companies. On Tuesday, August 18, 2026, Olivia Konar displayed a banner outside the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in Oakland, California. The banner listed the names of young individuals, including her sister Coco Konar, who died in 2022 at age 17.