🔻Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has agreed to pay up to $18 billion to put an end to a lawsuit filed by U.S. states over allegations that the two social networks have harmed children and teenagers.

This is Meta’s largest financial settlement to date in cases related to child safety.

Under the agreement, which has been approved by a court in California, Meta will pay this amount over 10 years to 48 U.S. states, the District of Columbia–Washington, D.C., and three U.S. territories.

The company, meanwhile, denies any wrongdoing and says that the payments will be made in annual installments.

The settlement also requires Meta to implement a set of fundamental changes to increase safety for users under 18 on Facebook and Instagram; including a default time limit for daily use, limits on use during nighttime hours, and strengthening parental supervision tools.

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