Iowa to allocate $25 million to teens impacted by social media
DES MOINES, Iowa —
Iowa will distribute $25 million to residents harmed by social media as part of a settlement with Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram.
The state joined 46 others in suing Meta, arguing that its platforms caused mental health issues in young people. The lawsuit resulted in a $1.7 billion settlement, with Iowa receiving more than $135 million.
“Iowa is the first state in the nation to set up a restitution fund to help the kids who were hurt,” said Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird. “Who will hurt by those Instagram accounts for kids, will be able to make a claim for restitution. That fund will be a total of $25 million, and current estimates are that that will allow about $100 per affected teen.”
Under the settlement, Meta will also fund youth online safety initiatives in multiple states and implement new daily time limits for teenagers on its platforms.
