Meta has reached a $18 billion settlement in its dispute with 28 US states. This significant legal step is part of a wider series of measures that social media platforms are taking to address growing concerns from regulators and the public regarding safety on digital platforms.
The core of the agreement involves a commitment to change existing safety settings within Meta platforms. This change is intended to strengthen protective measures, particularly those relating to the protection of vulnerable groups, including children. Meta has undertaken to implement stricter controls to reduce potential risks associated with the use of its services.
As part of these new measures, Meta has implemented strict time limits on the use of its platforms, Facebook and Instagram, by minors. This measure includes a technical solution that blocks the use of applications at night, aiming to protect the health and sleep of young people and reduce exposure to harmful content in the late hours.
As part of the wider context of these changes, Meta has announced changes to the way content is presented to minors. The aim is to remove personalised recommendations that could be harmful, ensuring that young users are not exposed to content that is not appropriate for their age and development. These changes represent a significant step towards greater responsibility from technology companies in protecting user data and safety online.
