Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has agreed to a multibillion-dollar settlement over allegations brought by several US states that its platforms harmed children. Subject to court approval, the agreement would require Meta to introduce specific measures for teenage users, including daily usage limits and nighttime blocking.

Meta said it has agreed to pay $18 billion, although 30% of the amount depends on settlements involving TikTok and YouTube. The money would be distributed in annual instalments over 10 years and could fund states’ priorities, including initiatives to improve young people’s safety in online environments.

The states involved in the lawsuit would receive about 70% of the total fund, or roughly $12.7 billion, over 10 years. Meta said the remaining 30% would be released only if YouTube and TikTok introduce one-hour daily limits, night mode and age-verification systems, and each pays an equivalent share. Meta expects to record about $10 billion in legal costs in this year’s third quarter.