Meta Pays $17B to Protect Kids Online | Charlottesville News

Meta just paid out $17 billion across 47 states and territories in the largest consumer protection settlement ever — Virginia’s share? $353 million. This isn’t just cash; it’s a game-changer for kids online. Mandatory two-hour daily screen time limits, 15-minute breaks, no access from midnight to 6 AM, and silenced notifications during school hours are now required. Age verification, anti-bullying tools, and crackdowns on harmful content like eating disorder imagery and self-harm promotion are also on the table. Even Instagram’s beauty filters and like counts are under scrutiny. Attorney General Jay Jones, a parent himself, says this is vital for the next generation. Virginia’s funds will go toward helping kids unplug, fight loneliness, and boost parental digital literacy. Fine-tuning remains — like clarifying time limits and age checks — but the goal is clear: safer, healthier digital experiences for minors. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/e30a6fc7d66f05bf