Key facts
- A settlement was reached between Meta and dozens of states over allegations of designing addictive products that harmed young users.
- Key witness Arturo Béjar, a former Facebook employee, stated the settlement's limitations are insufficient to stop harms to teenagers.
- The settlement requires Meta to implement changes such as strict limits on teen app usage and default non-algorithmic feeds.
- Béjar argued that the core algorithmic designs making Meta's platforms addictive remain unchanged by the agreement.
- Meta defended its existing safety features and stated Béjar's comments ignore the value teens derive from social media.
A landmark trial against Meta, brought by dozens of states, has concluded with a multibillion-dollar settlement, but a key witness believes the agreement fails to adequately protect young users.
Arturo Béjar, a whistleblower and former Facebook employee who worked closely with Mark Zuckerberg, testified that the settlement's terms are insufficient to halt the harms Meta's platforms inflict on teenagers. He compared the limitations to allowing limited daily cigarette consumption, stating, "It doesn’t make the cigarettes any safer."
The lawsuit alleged that Meta designed addictive products contributing to mental health issues in young people, including disordered eating, depression, and suicide. The settlement mandates significant platform changes, such as restricting teen app usage time and defaulting to non-algorithmic feeds.