A $17 Billion Band Aid: Meta's Teen Safety Settlement Masks Bigger Issues The recent settlement between Meta and state attorneys general over allegations of exploiting teenagers on Facebook and Instagram is being hailed as a landmark victory for teen safety.
However, this agreement is less about protecting vulnerable users than it is about perpetuating the status quo – and further entrenching the dominant players in the social media landscape.
At its core, the settlement demands changes to Meta's product design, including time limits on usage, muted notifications during school hours, and the removal of certain features that encourage excessive scrolling.