The Journal. · Thursday, August 27, 2026
Meta has agreed to a landmark settlement totaling $18 billion with 48 states, resolving claims that its platforms, Facebook and Instagram, have harmed underage users and violated federal law by tracking children. The settlement includes significant changes to how young people can use Meta's services, though the company did not admit wrongdoing.
“The settlement includes an $18 billion payout to 48 states, as well as a slate of changes to the way that young people can use Meta's platforms.”
“Meta did not admit to wrongdoing.”
“It definitely is the most effort that we've seen to date to stop users from building these addictive, perhaps unhealthy habits of just constantly scrolling.”