Mark Zuckerberg · California · Meta · Facebook · Instagram · The Guardian Technology
The jury trial, which took place in federal court in Oakland, California, began with opening statements last week
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California and 28 other US states sued the $1.36tn (£1tn) company over allegations that Meta deliberately designed addictive products that hooked young people, leading to mental health issues, including anxiety, depression and suicide.
Key facts
- The $18bn settlement will be divided between the states over a period of 10 years, subject to court approval
- California and 28 other US states sued the $1.36tn (£1tn) company over allegations that Meta deliberately designed addictive products that hooked young people, leading to mental health issues
- The agreement curtails a major trial in California and will require the social media company to pay up to $18bn
- Meta lost a separate suit, brought by the attorney general of New Mexico, where it was ordered to pay nearly $1bn to the state for allowing child sexual exploitation on its platforms
Summary
Meta agreed to significant changes to its Instagram and Facebook apps in a settlement that ended a landmark lawsuit on Wednesday. The agreement curtails a major trial in California and will require the social media company to pay up to $18bn. This is the first time in the US that Meta has been forced to change key features of the experience of everyday users. The jury trial, which took place in federal court in Oakland, California, began with opening statements last week. “Today, we have secured a settlement with Meta that will make social media less dangerous for our kids and make a world of a difference for children and their families,” Rob Bonta, the attorney general of California, said in a statement.