The Globe and Mail reports in its Friday, Aug. 28, edition that Meta's decision to limit teenagers' social media use in the United States demonstrates that companies can enhance on-line safety for young users, according to Australian officials. A Reuters dispatch to The Globe reports that meanwhile, a Philippine official noted that Meta has also committed to improving protections in their country.
Meta's $18-billion (U.S.) settlement with nearly all U.S. states addresses social media harm to teenagers, marking a new effort by governments worldwide to protect children and reduce addiction to platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
Meta has agreed with nearly all U.S. states to resolve claims that it designed those platforms to addict children. Meta denied wrongdoing in agreeing to settle.
The deal brings sweeping changes to Meta's Facebook and Instagram platforms in the U.S., including imposing a default two-hour limit on its apps for users under the age of 18.
In South Korea, the media regulator said some of Meta's measures should be applied to young users worldwide, rather than just in specific markets. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said the government needed to review its potential impact for Mexico.
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