Meta to Pay Up to $18 Billion to Settle With US States on Teen Social Media Addiction - CNET

Our gifting experts are obsessively searching for holiday gifts that are unique, thoughtful and suitable for any budget. Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Meta will avoid what likely would've been a disastrous, high-stakes trial. Instagram and Facebook’s parent company, Meta, has struck a deal with the US states currently suing the tech giant for intentionally designing its social media platforms to be addictive and harmful to children and teens. CEO Mark Zuckerberg and the company will avoid a high-stakes trial, whose consequences could have significantly affected how the tech industry operates. The deal was approved by US Federal Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers hours after it was initially filed. According to court filings, Meta could pay up to $16.68 billion to states and territories in the agreement. Reuters first reported the settlement on Wednesday. Under the new rules, Meta will enforce default daily usage limits, including a 2-hour time limit for teens across Instagram and Facebook, new blocks from midnight to 6 a.m. and