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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
Technology
Blake Montgomery

Meta’s settlement will compel others to bend the knee and set up teen guardrails

Close-up of teenage boys' hands holding and scrolling on smartphones while sitting next to each other
The attorneys general did what the US Congress never has: compel a social media company to change its operations to protect children. Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty Images

Meta’s agreement to change how teenagers use its social networks marks a major turning point for the US tech giant, setting a precedent that could significantly reshape how other social media operates in the coming years.

Meta agreed to substantial alterations to Instagram and Facebook on Wednesday as part of a settlement to end a landmark lawsuit. Dozens of US states had accused it of addicting and harming children with dangerous products. The company also agreed to pay up to a combined $18bn over a decade to several US states and territories involved in the suit.

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