The Indicator from Planet Money · Friday, August 28, 2026
Meta has agreed to a significant settlement with 47 states and several U.S. territories concerning allegations that its apps, including Instagram and Facebook, contain features harmful to children and that the company misled the public. The settlement includes a default two-hour daily screen time limit for teenagers on these platforms.
“Two hours is the default limit on screen time teenagers would be allowed on Instagram and Facebook under the terms of a landmark settlement announced Wednesday.”
“This lawsuit was brought by 47 states, the District of Columbia, and several US territories, who have alleged that Meta's apps contain features that are harmful to children and that they've misled the public about these.”
“Now, Meta could end up paying plaintiffs states about $17 billion.”