Marketplace Tech · Friday, August 28, 2026
Meta has agreed to a significant settlement, potentially up to $18 billion, to resolve a trial concerning social media addiction among teenagers. The company will implement enhanced child safety features, including time limits and hidden likes, on its platforms like Instagram and Facebook. While the settlement amount is large in the context of lawsuits, it represents a relatively small portion of Meta's overall revenue.
“Meta announced this week, it agreed to pay up to $18 billion to settle a landmark trial over social media addiction in teens.”
“It also agreed to add stronger child safety measures on its platforms, like a two-hour limit, nighttime blackouts, and hidden likes.”
“My first reaction was actually that the settlement amount wasn't as large as I thought it was going to be.”
“So the $17 billion, like, yes, it's a large amount in the context of other lawsuits and other settlements, but in terms of Meta's own revenue and its own cash flow, it's really a drop in the bucket.”