Sharp Tech with Ben Thompson · Friday, August 28, 2026
Meta has agreed to a record $17.1 billion settlement with 29 states to implement stricter social media usage limits for children. This includes a two-hour daily limit on Instagram and Facebook, productive pauses, nighttime blocks, and restrictions during school hours. The settlement also mandates stronger age verification, safer content controls, and improved parental tools.
“Meta will enforce a two-hour daily limit on Instagram and Facebook for children as part of a record $17.1 billion settlement with 29 states over social media addiction claims.”
“Both the implementation and effectiveness of the features will be regularly assessed by an independent auditor and the settling states.”
“This seems like a pretty big deal. What comes to mind when you see this news?”