Meta's $18B US Settlement Spurs Global Push for Stricter Child Safety Rules

Meta's landmark settlement with nearly 50 US states, valued at up to $18 billion, is reshaping the global conversation on protecting minors online. The agreement, which resolves claims that Meta designed Facebook and Instagram to addict young users, includes sweeping changes such as a default two-hour daily usage limit for users under 18. Meta has denied any wrongdoing as part of the settlement.

Australian Communications Minister Anika Wells said the deal demonstrates that social media companies possess the tools to shield young people from addictive features but have historically declined to use them. She pointed to Australia's world-first ban on social media for children under 16, a policy that has attracted interest from more than 20 other countries.

However, enforcement of Australia's ban has been inconsistent. Studies, including those from the country's internet regulator, indicate that roughly 80% of minors are still active on social media months after the restrictions took effect in December. This has prompted lawmakers to double the maximum fines and expand the regulator's powers.

Elsewhere, Poland's digital affairs minister has asked the European Commission to impose a €250 million fine on Meta, urging the company to introduce effective tools against scams and false advertising. In Asia, regulators in South Korea have called for Meta's protective measures to be applied globally, not just in specific markets.

The Philippines is also engaging with Meta directly. Henry Aguda, secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology, said he hopes the settlement will bolster his talks with the company regarding online child sexual abuse, financial scams, and the grooming of minors.

In the US, Meta still faces thousands of lawsuits from individuals, school districts, and municipalities alleging that it knowingly addicted children and contributed to a mental health crisis. Meanwhile, Australian law firm Shine Lawyers is exploring a potential class action, in discussions with a lawyer involved in the California action against Meta. The firm's head of class actions, Craig Allsopp, said families deserve answers if Australian children have been affected by platform features designed to maximize engagement.