Meta Settlement Intensifies Global Push to Curb Social Media Harm

Meta’s agreement to pay up to $18 billion over a decade to settle claims by nearly all U.S. states over alleged harm to teenagers is adding momentum to a growing global campaign to protect children online. The deal includes new restrictions on Facebook and Instagram, including a default two-hour daily limit for users under 18. Meta has denied wrongdoing.

Governments in Australia, South Korea, Malaysia and other countries are closely watching the U.S. settlement as they consider tougher measures for young social media users. Australian officials said Meta and other platforms already have tools to reduce addictive features, while South Korea urged the company to apply youth-protection measures globally rather than limiting them to individual markets.

However, enforcement remains a major challenge. Studies in Australia suggest around 80% of minors were still using social media months after the country introduced its under-16 ban, highlighting weaknesses in age verification. Meanwhile, the Philippines is discussing child exploitation, online grooming and scams with Meta, while an Australian law firm is exploring a potential class action against the company.

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