(The Center Square) – Child-safety measures for children and $117.1 million from a $17.1 billion settlement are coming to Alabama 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.
“This settlement sends a clear message that Alabama will hold big tech accountable when it fails to protect our children online,” said Republican state Attorney General Steve Marshall. “We will continue to monitor Meta to ensure compliance with the terms set forth in the settlement as well as to close off any loopholes predators and other bad actors might try to exploit.”
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.
Earlier this year, Marshall’s office was part of a settlement with Roblox requiring stronger protections for children on the gaming platform. Also secured was $12 million in funding for school resource officers.
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