The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have publicly criticised Meta following the company’s agreement to pay up to £13 billion to settle a lawsuit alleging harm to children caused by its platforms. The couple, who returned to the United Kingdom on Wednesday after living in the United States for six years, expressed concerns that Meta’s settlement was an attempt to avoid further legal accountability. They argued that the company has the financial capacity to cover the settlement without issue, noting estimates that Meta could recoup the amount in profits within about 30 days.
The settlement resolves claims brought by 47 US states, accusing Meta of designing Instagram with features that are addictive to children and teenagers and potentially harmful to their mental health. As part of the agreement, Meta will implement new protections for under-18 users of Facebook and Instagram in the participating states, subject to court approval. These measures include a default night-time blocking period from midnight to 6 a.m., muting notifications during school hours, hiding the display of likes and reactions on posts by default, and restricting use of extreme makeup filters. The company also committed to enhancing tools to prevent underage account creation and to shield teenagers from harmful content. However, these changes will apply only within the United States and not extend to other countries, including the UK.
Meta’s Chief Legal Officer, CJ Mahoney, emphasised the need for broader industry cooperation, urging rival platforms such as TikTok and YouTube to adopt similar protections. He highlighted that teens frequently use multiple apps, making a collective approach necessary for effective safeguarding.
The Sussexes, who have previously campaigned on online safety issues, called the settlement a positive development for those advocating safer online environments. They stated that the legal action showed social media companies recognise the persistent pressure from parents, survivors, and advocates demanding change in the way young people engage with digital platforms. The couple, travelling with their children Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, added that they stand alongside parents, legal experts, and youth organisations pushing for accountability and ongoing justice.
In the UK, political figures from the Conservative Party commented that the settlement highlights how social media companies have neglected the damage caused by their platforms. Meanwhile, King Charles III was seen continuing his annual holiday in Scotland near the Balmoral Estate as these developments unfolded. The settlement will be paid over a ten-year period to the states involved and marks the conclusion of a significant legal challenge against Meta concerning child safety online.