(The Center Square) – Child-safety measures for children and $327 million from a $17.1 billion settlement are coming to Maryland from Meta, owner of the Facebook and Instagram platforms.
CEO Mark Zuckerberg was spared a spot on the stand to tell jurors his side in a California federal court. Thirty-two states sued in October 2023. All totaled since, various claims are resolved for 47 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
“Every parent deserves to know that when their child opens Instagram or Facebook, these platforms are designed with their child’s wellbeing in mind, not just to capture their attention,” said first-term Democratic state Attorney General Anthony Brown. “My office will continue holding technology companies accountable for not putting children first.”
The settlement is the one of the largest for consumer protection in state history. For Meta, the total amount is 8.5% of its $201 billion in 2025 revenue.
Pending federal court approval of the settlement, Meta will have to determine if users are ages 13-17. Then, the protections include a daily time limit; nighttime block; no school hour notifications; scrolling pauses; and no more counts for likes and reactions.
“Parents should not have to compete with billion-dollar corporations whose business models are built around keeping our children scrolling for as long as possible,” said Senate President Bill Ferguson, an eighth team Democrat. “When algorithms are designed to maximize engagement and profit, our kids can become the product. This settlement is an important step in holding the technology industry accountable for the choices it makes and the impact those choices have on children and families.”