Meta Faces Major Curbs on Facebook & Instagram for Teens; Overnight Shutdown, 2-Hour Daily Limit Proposed

New Delhi: Meta Platforms could be set to introduce sweeping restrictions on Facebook and Instagram for users under the age of 18 following a major legal settlement in California. Under the agreement, Meta would be required to restrict teenagers’ access to its social media platforms, including an overnight shutdown and a two-hour daytime usage limit.

According to the office of California Attorney General Rob Bonta, Meta has agreed to pay $14 billion (around ₹1.15 lakh crore) and comply with a series of regulations aimed at protecting minors. However, the exact timeline for implementing the restrictions has not yet been announced.

Lawsuit Focused on Children’s Social Media Use
The legal battle against Meta was launched in a California court and brought together cases involving 28 US jurisdictions. The lawsuit accused Facebook and Instagram of negatively affecting children and teenagers and alleged that Meta had incorporated features designed to encourage excessive and addictive smartphone use.

Meta Settles Case for $14 Billion
The case, filed in an Oakland, California court, has now been resolved through a settlement. As part of the agreement, Meta will pay $14 billion and comply with regulations concerning its platforms’ use by minors.

The settlement could also provide Meta relief from other related legal proceedings, although the company may continue to face scrutiny over the safety of children and teenagers on its platforms.

Meta Accused of Prioritising Engagement Over Child Safety
The lawsuit contained serious allegations that Meta deliberately designed features that encouraged prolonged social media use. Authorities also alleged that the company failed to adequately protect young users, potentially contributing to negative effects on children’s mental health.

The proposed restrictions mark a significant development in the growing legal and regulatory push in the US to limit teenagers’ exposure to social media and address concerns over online addiction and child safety.