Meta Pays $17B to Protect Teens Online | Charleston News

Meta’s paying $17 billion to settle lawsuits across all 50 states — the largest ever with a tech giant — while rolling out sweeping new protections for teens: automatic daily limits, night mode, school mode, hidden likes, and cosmetic filter bans. These features will auto-activate for anyone under 18, aiming to shield young users’ mental health. The funds will fund youth mental health programs nationwide. Meta’s also urging competitors to join the effort, arguing teens switch apps — so industry-wide safety is key. But advocates say this isn’t enough; they’re pushing for laws like the Kids Online Safety Act to mandate safety from the start, not just through parental controls. 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/3c11cec3c3f595fa