Meta Platforms Inc. has agreed to a $17 billion settlement with a coalition of U.S. states over allegations that its social‑media platforms failed to protect minors from harmful content. The agreement, reached after months of negotiations, includes a $5 billion fund dedicated to child‑safety research, $4 billion for state‑run digital‑literacy programs, and $8 billion earmarked for the creation of new safety tools and AI‑driven monitoring systems. In addition, Meta will submit to regular audits by an independent oversight board. State attorneys general hailed the settlement as a “historic victory” for children’s online safety, while consumer‑rights groups called for continued vigilance to ensure compliance.
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