Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have issued a fierce statement against Meta, just one day after arriving back in the UK, accusing the tech giant of paying its way out of accountability after the company agreed to a landmark settlement worth up to $17.1 billion.
The settlement resolves claims brought by 29 US states accusing Meta of failing to protect children on Facebook and Instagram, requiring the company to pay penalties for violating federal child privacy laws and state consumer protection statutes. But the Sussexes weren't satisfied. "By choosing to settle, the company paid to avoid yet another trial outcome that would force it into accountability," their statement read.
The couple pointed out that Meta could easily absorb the massive payout, noting reports estimate the company will earn back the equivalent of the entire $17 billion settlement in profit within just 30 days. They also criticized Meta for failing to apologize for the harm its platforms have allegedly caused children and teenagers over the years.
Alongside the settlement, Meta agreed to a series of changes for teenage users, including blocking app access between midnight and 6 a.m., suppressing notifications during school hours, removing beauty filters linked to mental health concerns, and rolling out an optional chronological feed instead of algorithm-driven content.
Harry and Meghan welcomed the new protections but made clear they see the settlement as far from enough, continuing their long-running campaign against what they call the dangerous, addictive design of major social media platforms.