Meta reaches $16.7 billion settlement in social media addiction case - UPI.com

Meta will pay $16.7 billion to settle a lawsuit brought by 29 state attorneys general over the mental health risks posed to children by its social media platforms. File Photo by Will Oliver/UPI | License Photo

Aug. 26 (UPI) -- Meta will pay $16.7 billion to settle a lawsuit brought by 29 state attorneys general over the mental health risks posed to children by its social media platforms.

Court filings on Wednesday detail changes Meta must implement to safeguard its platform for the use of minors. Those requirements include limits on daily use, blocking access at night, more parental tools and greater proof of age standards.

The total settlement payment may reach up to $17.1 billion, several state attorneys general said. That figure hinges on other platforms, including TikTok and YouTube, agreeing to also settle their cases with the states.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced that his state may receive between $1.5 billion to $2.1 billion in the settlement.