Meta has reached a $16.68 billion settlement with U.S. states over allegations that its social media platforms harmed children. The agreement resolves lawsuits claiming Meta prioritized engagement over youth safety.

The settlement, announced on August 26, 2026, involves dozens of states led by attorneys general who accused Meta of misleading the public about the risks of its platforms. Meta will pay the sum over several years without admitting liability.

Funds will support state programs addressing youth mental health, online safety education, and parental controls. Meta also agreed to implement stricter age verification and default privacy settings for minors.

This is one of the largest settlements in social media history, following similar actions against other tech firms. The deal marks a significant step in regulatory pressure on platforms regarding child safety.