Meta’s $18 billion settlement to close US lawsuit: What changes for the company, teens, rivals and the world

Emily had always battled mental health issues, but when some classmates posted photos of her with an apron and hairnet on social media and began cyberbullying her, it got worse.

In October 2021, Abrham Meareg’s father, a professor of chemistry in Ethiopia’s northern town of Bahir Dar, was shot at close range and died outside his family home.

Meta agreed to pay about $18 billion to settle a multistate lawsuit claiming it intentionally designed addictive platforms that harmed young people’s mental health.

Just over $17 billion will go to settling a lawsuit brought jointly by 29 states in 2023; the remainder will settle claims between Meta and other states and territories.