Meta’s $17B Child-Safety Settlement Is a Grim Bargain

Meta’s child-safety deal looks like a big blow until it is measured against one quarter of the company’s profit.

As part of Texas’ settlement, the tech giant behind Facebook and Instagram will apply stricter age verification measures and institute a daily two-hour limit for teens.

Meta agreed to settle with U.S. states for up to $16.7 billion in a landmark deal over allegations Facebook and Instagram were designed in ways that harm children. The company is calling on its peers to sign on to the pact as well, saying it won't work unless they jointly line up behind broad reform. Why it matters:

Meta Reaches $18 Billion Settlement With 48 States Over Child-Safety Claims  WSJ

Settlement is one of the biggest in state consumer protection history, ending landmark trial filed by 47 states

The social media giant is being sued by four states who allege it designed Facebook and Instagram to hook kids — and lied to the public about the risks.