Meta Reaches $17 Billion Settlement in Youth Safety Lawsuit

Why it matters locally: The settlement, involving dozens of states, includes Ohio as one of the parties that brought the lawsuit against Meta. The new digital safeguards mandated by the agreement will apply to youth using Facebook and Instagram platforms throughout Ohio.

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Meta, the company operating Facebook and Instagram, has agreed to a settlement potentially reaching $17 billion. This agreement resolves a lawsuit brought by dozens of states, which accused the social media giant of knowingly harming children through its platforms. As part of the settlement, Meta committed to implementing specific digital safeguards designed to protect minors. The company also called on other social media platforms to adopt similar protective measures. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser elaborated on the details of the agreement during a discussion with Geoff Bennett. The settlement concludes legal proceedings where states alleged that Meta's platform designs intentionally exposed young users to risks.