TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey is expected to receive at least $525 million as part of a historic multistate settlement with Meta over allegations that its social media platforms harmed children and teens through addictive design features.
New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced the agreement Wednesday as part of a broader settlement valued at approximately $17 billion involving Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram.
Governor Mikie Sherrill called the agreement “a major victory for New Jersey families,” saying the settlement will not only bring hundreds of millions of dollars to the state but will also require new protections aimed at children using social media.
The agreement includes new safety requirements for young users, including stronger parental controls, limits on certain notifications and features designed to reduce prolonged or compulsive use of social media.
The case focused on allegations that Meta knowingly designed and promoted features intended to keep young people engaged for longer periods, despite concerns about the effects of excessive social media use on children’s mental health and safety.
Sherrill said the settlement is part of a broader effort by New Jersey to hold technology companies accountable.
“I’m a mom of four kids and have seen firsthand how social media platforms can harm our kids — and how parents are often left in this fight alone,” Sherrill said in a statement Wednesday.
Earlier this month, Sherrill signed a package of three laws aimed at strengthening protections for children online. The legislation established a New Jersey Age-Appropriate Design Code and created a Social Media Research Center to study addictive features and other risks associated with social media use among children.
The governor said New Jersey will continue pushing other major technology companies to adopt similar safeguards.
The settlement still requires final court approval.
Sources: New Jersey Office of the Attorney General and Gov. Mikie Sherrill on X
By NJ RADAR Team