Meta has agreed to pay up to $18 billion to resolve a legal dispute tied to its social media platforms, the company said as a trial was under way in a federal court in California.
The settlement was reached during proceedings in the U.S. District Court in California and addresses claims that were brought by several U.S. states. The states had pursued litigation against the company in connection with its social media operations.
The reported figure — described as up to $18 billion — was disclosed while the trial was ongoing. The precise structure and timing of any payments, as well as any additional terms of the agreement, were not detailed in the initial account of the deal.
The development is a significant moment in a broader pattern of state-led legal actions involving major technology and social media companies. Further reporting will be required to clarify which claims are resolved by the settlement and how the terms will be implemented moving forward.