Lights out, Instagram off? The changes to Meta for teens could be a big deal

Live updates

1. 12d ago

   Meta begins implementation of teen safety changes after billion-dollar settlement

   Meta is now implementing platform changes for Facebook and Instagram following a settlement with bipartisan attorneys general worth between $17.1 billion and $18 billion. The company must introduce default private accounts for teenagers and restrict who can message them to reduce harm and improve safety. While Meta is moving forward with these technical shifts, families of children who died by suicide have questioned whether the company's current support for federal online safety regulation is genuine or a public relations effort, noting that Meta previously spent millions lobbying against such bills.

   Why it matters

   The settlement addresses systemic child safety concerns across Meta's primary social networks. These changes aim to shift the burden of privacy from the user to the platform by default. The conflict between the settlement and previous lobbying efforts highlights ongoing tensions between Meta and federal regulators.

   What is confirmed

   • Meta agreed to a settlement worth between $17.1 billion and $18 billion to protect teenagers on Facebook and Instagram.
   • The settlement requires Meta to implement default private accounts for teens and restrictions on who can message them.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Families of children who died by suicide claim Meta's support for federal online safety regulation is a PR move following millions spent lobbying against similar bills.

   What to watch next

   • Evidence of the technical rollout of default private accounts for teens
   • Official Meta response to claims regarding its federal lobbying history
   Sources used for this update (10)

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2. 16d ago

   Meta agrees to changes for teens on Facebook and Instagram

   Meta has agreed to changes to its Facebook and Instagram platforms to better protect teenagers, following a settlement with bipartisan attorneys general. The changes include default private accounts for teens and restrictions on who can message them. The settlement is worth $17.1 billion to $18 billion. The changes aim to improve safety and reduce harm for teenagers using the platforms.

   Why it matters

   The settlement and changes come amid growing concerns about the impact of social media on teenagers' mental health and well-being. Meta's platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, have faced scrutiny over their handling of user data and their role in spreading misinformation. The changes are part of a broader effort to regulate social media companies and ensure they prioritize user safety.

   What is confirmed

   • Meta's settlement with attorneys general is worth $17.1 billion to $18 billion.
   • The changes include default private accounts for teens and restrictions on who can message them.
   • The settlement aims to improve safety and reduce harm for teenagers using Facebook and Instagram.

   Still unconfirmed

   • TikTok and YouTube may face similar regulations.

   What to watch next

   • Implementation of the changes by Meta
   • Reaction from other social media companies
   • Potential impact on teenagers' online experience
   Sources used for this update (12)

   1. Meta Store — Our Agreement With Bipartisan Attorneys General: Calling on TikTok and YouTube to Join Us in Supporting Teens
   2. Yahoo Finance — Meta Platforms (META) Just Called a Potential Loss “Astronomical.” Here’s What’s at Stake in California
   3. WSJ — Opinion | The Meta Settlement Makes Big Tech Bigger
   4. CT Insider — How Instagram and Facebook will change for Connecticut teens under the Meta deal
   5. CNBC — Meta’s $18 billion settlement puts TikTok and YouTube on notice. Who's next on the firing line?
   6. The New York Times — How Meta’s $17.1 Billion Social Media Settlement Came Together
   7. NPR — Lights out, Instagram off? The changes to Meta for teens could be a big deal
   8. Rolling Stone — New Facebook and Instagram Rules Are Coming for Teens. Will They Help?
   9. KXAN Austin — State of Texas: Meta settlement to bring social media child safety changes
   10. CNBC — He beat Big Tobacco. Will the same playbook work against Meta and social media?
   11. NBC4 WCMH-TV — Meta settlement reached: Ohio to receive over $300 million
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