Meta Platforms has agreed to pay approximately $18 billion to resolve claims by 29 states that it intentionally designed addictive platforms that harmed young people's mental health, ending a closely watched trial in which four states had sought as much as $1.4 trillion in damages. Just over $17 billion of the total settles the lawsuit filed jointly by the 29 states in 2023, while the remainder resolves claims involving other states and territories. Meta admitted no wrongdoing and continues to deny that its platforms harm children. Under the agreement, Meta will pay 70% of the settlement fund to the states in annual installments over a decade, with the remaining 30% payable only if YouTube and TikTok agree to make payments and introduce comparable platform changes. The company generated $200.97 billion in revenue during 2025, meaning the settlement represents less than 9% of one year's revenue, and it held $90.26 billion in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities at the end of June 2026. The required safeguards include a cumulative two-hour daily limit for teenagers aged 13 to 17 that only parents can adjust, prompts after every 15 minutes of continuous use, default night and school modes, and default hiding of likes and reactions on teenagers' posts. Meta still faces hundreds of lawsuits from individuals, families, and school districts over alleged harm to children, and lost two related cases earlier in 2026, including a New Mexico case resulting in nearly $1 billion in damages.
Meta Platforms Inc.Meta agrees to pay ~$18B to settle 29 states' claims over addictive platform design harming youth, plus faces hundreds of remaining lawsuits.
China Mobile Limited