$17.1B Meta settlement proves that when children’s safety is at risk, companies can be held accountable.
On August 26, Arkansas and 50 other attorneys general announced a proposed settlement of up to $17.1 billion with Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, over allegations involving the safety of minors using its platforms. If approved by the court, the settlement would require Meta to make real changes that will better protect children online.
Reddick Law, PLLC is proud to have helped Arkansas take on one of the world’s largest tech companies and reach this historic result. Working with the office of Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin, the Lanier Law Firm, Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP and other firms pursuing related claims, our firm helped press litigation that will secure new protections for young people using Meta’s platforms nationwide.
Arkansas is guaranteed at least $172.4 million under the agreement, with the possibility of receiving more. But for Reddick Law founder and principal attorney Brian D. Reddick, the settlement is about more than money.
“This outcome is especially meaningful to me and my family,” Reddick said. “My wife and father were teachers, and my daughter teaches currently. For years, the educators in my life have talked about the impact social media can have on kids. We also welcomed our first grandchild at the beginning of this year, so I’m especially proud that this settlement will put meaningful protections in place. Even for a company as large and powerful as Meta, a $17.1-billion settlement sends a strong message: children’s safety must come before corporate profit.”
Reddick Law applauds Attorney General Tim Griffin and his office for being among the first in the nation to sue Meta over these issues. Filed under the Arkansas Deceptive Trade Practices Act in March 2023, the Arkansas case became part of a broader national effort to change how children can use and interact with social media.
A Settlement With Solutions
Under the terms of the proposed settlement, new social media protections for minors who use Facebook and Instagram will include:
- A two-hour daily usage limit for children, with mandatory pauses during periods of extended use.
- Limits for minors on features that invite social comparison, including beauty filters and visible “like” counts.
- No nighttime access for minors from midnight to 6 a.m.
- Elimination of distracting push notifications for users under 18 during the school day.
- Better age verification and parental controls.
- Stronger safeguards against bullying and content promoting eating disorders or relating to suicide and self-harm.
- Independent monitoring to ensure these protections are working.
Online Platforms, Real-World Problems
The evidence supporting the need for greater social media protections for children and teens has been clear for over a decade.
The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on Social Media and Youth Mental Health reports that social media use among young people in the U.S. is “nearly universal,” with up to 95% of kids age 13–17 reporting they use at least one social media platform. Nearly two-thirds said they use social media every day, and one-third said they use social media “almost constantly.”
The advisory also warns that young people who spend more than three hours a day on social media face double the risk of experiencing mental health problems, including symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Why We Fight
This proposed settlement shows that with determination, great partners, and faith in the American justice system, even the richest and most powerful corporations can be compelled to do what’s right. Our firm is proud to stand with Arkansas families against corporate giants like Meta.
“At Reddick Law, outcomes like this are why we do the work,” said Brian D. Reddick. “We’ve fought for the rights of Arkansans for years. And when the health and safety of Arkansas families are at stake, we will go the distance every time.”