Meta's $17 billion settlement mandates new safeguards for kids—many are promising, says safety expert
Following a major legal settlement, Instagram and Facebook users under age 18 will soon have a daily two-hour limit and won't be able to see reactions on posts.
TL;DR
- Meta will pay approximately $17 billion to settle a lawsuit alleging its products are harmful and addictive to children.
- New safeguards for users under 18 on Facebook and Instagram include a two-hour daily time limit, a 'night mode,' and the option to disable autoplay.
- Like and reaction statistics will be removed from all posts, and users can opt for a non-algorithmic feed.
- Stronger age assurance technology will be implemented to remove users under 13 and ensure age-appropriate versions for 13-17 year olds.
- The settlement requires Meta to establish an independent social media research foundation and an independent auditor.
- Some experts note that features requiring manual activation by parents or teens might be less effective, and the absence of a ban on infinite scroll is a point of concern.
- Other social media companies like TikTok and YouTube have also faced settlements and implemented child safety measures.