Facebook parent company ‘Meta’ reaches $17 billion settlement, with nearly $615 million going to Colorado

COLORADO (KRDO) - Meta has agreed to pay $17 billion to officially end a landmark trial over teen social media addiction and settle claims filed by 47 states, state attorneys general announced Wednesday.

Colorado was among 29 states that sued Meta in 2023 and will receive $615 million as part of the settlement.

The settlement included more than just money. Meta has also agreed to add child-safety features to its Facebook and Instagram platforms, including:

• Two-hour cumulative, daily time limits for app users aged 13-17
• Night mode: blocks access to the apps between 6 p.m. and midnight
• School mode: reduces the number of push notifications during school hours
• Users in teen mode will no longer see the number of likes/reactions on other teens' posts, and "extreme makeup filters" will be blocked by default
• Option to disable autoplay/algorithmic feed recommendations

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser issued the following statement regarding the settlement:

“Today’s action is an important step forward and I welcome Meta’s decision to accept responsibility and to collaborate with the multistate coalition to protect kids who deserve better.” - Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg was scheduled to take the stand until Wednesday's settlement officially ended the trial.

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