Meta Reaches $17 Billion Settlement with States Over Child Safety

Why it matters locally: While the specific details of how the settlement funds will be allocated among states are yet to be fully disclosed, Massachusetts is among the states that would receive funds from this multi-state settlement. These funds could be used to support local initiatives aimed at promoting child safety online and addressing the impacts of social media on young people.

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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.