Meta accepts youth-use limits for at least five years and up to $18 billion to settle teen-addiction claims

Meta would pay at least $12.1 billion and up to roughly $18 billion under a principal agreement with 47 states, D.C., and three territories plus a separate Texas deal. The proposed deals resolve claims that Instagram and Facebook were designed to keep children engaged despite known harms; Meta denies wrongdoing, and court approval is still required. For at least five years, under-18 accounts would default to a combined two-hour daily limit, lose most access from midnight to 6 a.m., receive fewer notifications, face stronger age checks, and get a chronological-feed option; parents could override the time limit. If other major platforms adopt similar settlements, Meta would pay more and face stricter rules for 10 years. Critics say the deal still lets Meta define some harms and leaves its recommendation system largely intact.