What happened
Meta has agreed to a $17 billion settlement that mandates new safeguards for users under 18 on Instagram and Facebook. According to a CNBC report, these safeguards include a daily two-hour limit and the removal of the ability to see reactions on posts. A safety expert quoted in the report said that many of the new measures are promising.
Why it matters
The settlement represents a significant financial and regulatory step in addressing concerns about the impact of social media on young users. The specific measures—such as the two-hour daily limit and the removal of reactions—are designed to reduce potential harms associated with excessive use and social comparison. The expert's positive assessment suggests that these changes could be effective, though the full impact remains to be seen.