Utah announced Wednesday that the state has secured part of a $12.2 billion in a settlement with Meta over child safety practices.
This marks the most substantive action any government has taken against the addictive algorithms targeted at young people.
Meta — the company that owns Facebook and Instagram — reached a landmark settlement with 47 states, the District of Colombia and U.S. territories, agreeing to pay $12.2 billion.
“Utah is expected to receive $212 million over the next 10 years. The state could receive up to $301 million if industry leaders similarly settle,” the Governor’s Office said in a press release early Wednesday.
The settlement guarantees states $12.2 billion, though they could receive up to $17.1 billion if Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube agree to substantially similar injunctive terms as Meta.
“For the first time, Meta must put kids’ safety ahead of its business model. After negotiations with Meta, we secured a settlement that delivers consequential and enforceable changes,” said Attorney General Derek Brown. “This gives Utah families a leg up in protecting their kids from harmful content and compulsive habits with Instagram and Facebook. We will continue to use all legal tools available to us to protect kids online.”
This is a developing story. Check back to see updates.