Meta is set to put strict new limits on how teenagers use Instagram and Facebook in the US, with a two-hour daily cap and an overnight lockout that could completely stop under-18 users from accessing the apps during late-night hours.
The changes are part of a proposed settlement between Meta and a coalition of US state attorneys general, according to the office of California Attorney General Rob Bonta.
Under the agreement, teenagers will automatically receive a two-hour daily limit on Facebook and Instagram. The restriction will not be permanent, however. Parents will have the authority to override the limit if they choose.
The proposed rules could become even stricter if other major social media platforms agree to similar measures.
If YouTube, TikTok and Snap introduce comparable restrictions, Meta’s default daily limit for users under 18 would be reduced from two hours to just one hour.
Instagram and Facebook Could Lock Teens Out Every Night
The most striking part of the agreement is the proposed overnight shutdown.
Under the new system, teenagers would be automatically blocked from Facebook and Instagram between 12 midnight and 6 am.
Parents would again have the option to remove the restriction.
The overnight rules could become broader if other major platforms adopt similar measures. In that situation, the proposed shutdown window could expand to 10 pm to 7 am.
Meta would also turn off notifications for under-18 users by default during overnight hours and during the school day.
The move is aimed at reducing late-night social media use and giving parents greater control over their children’s online activity.
Why Is Meta Introducing These New Teen Restrictions?
The measures are linked to a major legal battle involving Meta.
A bipartisan coalition of 51 US attorneys general sued Meta in 2023, accusing the company of designing Facebook and Instagram in ways that encouraged addictive use among children and teenagers. The states also alleged that Meta had not been sufficiently transparent about potential risks associated with its platforms.
The case went to trial on August 18 in the US District Court for the Northern District of California.
The proposed settlement still needs court approval before it becomes final.
Meta Could Pay Up To $17 Billion
The agreement could also have a major financial impact on Meta.
Under the proposed settlement, the company could pay up to $17 billion to the states over 10 years.
Other proposed measures include stronger systems to verify users’ ages, expanded parental controls and independent audits to monitor whether Meta follows the settlement terms.
Meta has not admitted wrongdoing as part of the proposed agreement.
Meta Calls for TikTok, YouTube and Snap to Follow
Meta’s chief legal officer, CJ Mahoney, described the proposed framework as a major step towards helping parents manage their children’s social media use.
However, Meta has also argued that the impact of the restrictions would be limited if other major social media companies do not introduce similar rules.
The company has therefore called on platforms including TikTok and YouTube to adopt comparable safeguards.
Meta is expected to implement the changes within months, subject to the settlement receiving court approval.
