Meta to ban 'likes' display and block night use on teen accounts as it agrees $18bn settlement
Meta will add default teen limits, overnight blocks and stronger age checks after agreeing to pay about $18 billion in the settlement, officials said.
- On Wednesday, Meta announced a settlement with California and other states in an Oakland social media addiction lawsuit, agreeing to pay around $18 billion.
- The agreement introduces comprehensive protections for users under 18, including two-hour daily limits, overnight blocks from midnight to 6 a.m., and stronger age verification measures.
- Meta must implement pauses after 15 minutes of continuous use, with additional reminders at 60 minutes and 90 minutes "to encourage intentional use," while notifications will be muted from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Ahmed Banafa, Professor of Engineering at San Jose State, noted the industry struggled for 20 years with safety and expects age verification to be the most difficult part, calling the balance "between privacy and protection."
- The settlement requires Meta to adopt an "age assurance framework" within one year, tested annually by accredited third parties, with most requirements remaining in place for 10 years.
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In addition to paying $18 billion, Meta undertook to limit access to its platforms for adolescents in order to put an end to the lawsuits against dozens of US states and entities.
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To get rid of a giant lawsuit, Meta has agreed to pay more than $17 billion and to hold off Instagram and Facebook for teenagers. The French Minister responsible for Digital would like to see the terms of the deal apply in France.
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