Meta agreed to pay up to $17.1 billion and overhaul Facebook and Instagram to protect children, settling lawsuits from 47 states. The changes include two-hour daily limits for users under 18, no access between midnight and 6 a.m., and disabling autoplay videos and algorithmic feeds. Teens can also turn off "like" counts and appearance-altering filters.

Meta promised stronger age verification and tools for parents to monitor activity, though details remain vague. Reporter Mike Isaac called the fine a "speeding ticket" given Meta's $200 billion annual revenue, and the stock rose after the announcement. The settlement hinges on rivals TikTok, YouTube, and Snap adopting similar measures; otherwise Meta pays only $12 billion.

Isaac noted peer pressure may force compliance: "Imagine being Tik Tok or You Tube and saying, 'No, thanks, we don't want to protect kids.'" Australia's 2025 ban for under-16s saw quick workarounds, underscoring enforcement challenges. The deal marks a shift akin to Big Tobacco settlements, targeting product design over fines.