Oklahoma could receive more than $334 million as part of a multi-state agreement that also requires new protections for children and teens on Facebook and Instagram.
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond announced Aug. 26 a $17.1 billion multi-state settlement with Meta Platforms over allegations involving features affecting children and teens on Facebook and Instagram.
The agreement involves Oklahoma, 46 other states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It resolves claims that Meta designed Instagram with addictive features, exposed young users to potential mental health harms and misled the public about the safety of its platforms.
“This settlement is a monumental victory for the protection of our children, and it will fundamentally transform how the social media industry designs platforms for kids and teens,” Drummond said. “This agreement holds Meta accountable and sends a clear message that protecting children online is mandatory.”
Under the settlement, Oklahoma is guaranteed to receive $235,578,728. That amount could increase to $334,107,696 if other major social media companies, including Snap, YouTube and TikTok, agree to similar settlements.
In addition to the financial settlement, Meta will be required to make significant changes to Facebook and Instagram accounts used by teens.
Among the requirements are a two-hour daily time limit across Meta social media platforms for five years, mandatory breaks after extended periods of continuous use and restrictions on access between midnight and 6 a.m.
Push notifications would also be restricted overnight and during school hours. A “school mode” would limit access and notifications on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the school year.
The agreement also calls for stronger age-verification measures, prohibits accounts for children under 13 and requires additional parental controls and age-appropriate content safeguards.
Certain social comparison features would also be restricted, including cosmetic procedure filters and visible like or reaction counts on teen accounts.
An independent auditor and the states involved in the settlement will regularly assess whether the new protections are being implemented and working as required.
“This settlement represents a down payment toward an industry-wide social media experience that allows kids to connect in a healthy way,” Drummond said.
Drummond filed Oklahoma’s lawsuit against Meta in October 2023. The settlement also resolves claims involving Meta’s sharing of nonpublic Facebook user information with third parties, including Cambridge Analytica.
The settlement remains subject to court approval.
