UN experts recently expressed concerns over Meta’s proposed settlement with US state attorneys general, emphasizing that private settlements should not supplant transparent regulatory processes. The settlement, which involves payments up to $17 billion over a decade, seeks to address allegations that Meta designed features on Facebook and Instagram that negatively impacted children and teenagers, as highlighted here. The case had survived significant legal challenges, including a failed summary judgment by Meta before settling.
Experts, including Polo Maldonado and Ana Brian Nougrères, argue that such deals, while a noteworthy development, must not replace regulations developed with the involvement of young people and affected communities. These experts highlighted concerns that protective measures could inadvertently introduce new privacy and data-processing risks, especially with age-assurance systems. Additionally, broad restrictions could infringe on young people’s rights to expression and participation.
Concerns extend beyond mere age verification. The experts emphasized that online safety policies should avoid placing undue responsibility on children and parents, while excluding critical platform design changes. Greater transparency in how algorithms influence user experience is crucial. This aligns with a broader move toward rights-based digital governance, where measures are judged on their impact on privacy and expression, beyond just harm reduction.
Such an approach is consistent with the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child’s General Comment No. 25, advocating for children’s involvement in digital policy development, and Sustainable Development Goal 16.7, promoting participatory decision-making. This debate on Meta’s settlement thus raises fundamental questions about algorithmic transparency, and the legitimacy of private agreements shaping industry standards without wider public oversight.
As the settlement awaits court approval, focus will shift to how effectively it is implemented and independently monitored. UN experts stress the need for open consultation to develop broader standards, and ensuring that young voices play a decisive role in crafting future digital safety policies.