Meta reaches $18 billion settlement with states in landmark trial over teen social media addiction

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Meta has agreed to pay up to $18 billion and add stronger child-safety measures to its Facebook and Instagram platforms as part of a landmark legal settlement. The deal announced Wednesday (Aug. 26, 2026) ends a trial over teen social media addiction and settles claims with 48 states and some U.S. territories. The settlement resolves a pivotal case years in the making that sought to hold the tech giant accountable for the role its platforms played in undermining children’s mental health. The effort targeted features designed to hook young people’s attention. If approved by the court, it will stop an avalanche of litigation by states against Meta.