tech
Meta's $18bn settlement may hasten reckoning for social media on child safety
Meta's decision to settle the case on Wednesday came as a surprise.
TL;DR
- Meta settled a child privacy lawsuit with 29 states for $18 billion.
- The trial focused on Meta's past collection and use of data from children under 13, violating the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).
- New safety features for teens include a two-hour daily time limit, muted notifications during school hours and overnight, and hidden likes.
- These changes are part of Meta's agreement to improve online safety for its youngest users on Instagram and Facebook.
- The settlement may pressure other social media companies like TikTok and Snapchat to adopt similar child safety measures.
- Whistleblower Arturo Bejar criticized Meta, stating that the company needs to be held accountable for results, not just efforts.