Meta Reaches Settlement with 29 States Over Child Mental Health Allegations A major federal trial involving Meta and a coalition of state attorneys general has concluded with a settlement agreement addressing allegations that the company misrepresented the extent of child-related mental health harms linked to its social media platforms. The case, which was co-led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta and attorneys general from Colorado, New Jersey, and Kentucky, involved 29 states united in their legal action against Meta. The settlement, disclosed through a court filing, outlines specific measures Meta must implement to address concerns about the impact of its apps, including Facebook and Instagram, on young users. The proposed "consent judgment" requires Meta to introduce daily usage limits and "nighttime blocks" for teenagers using its platforms. These restrictions aim to curb excessive screen time, particularly during hours traditionally associated with sleep. Additionally, the company must enhance its age verification processes to prevent children from accessing its services. The settlement also mandates the development of new tools for parents and guardians to monitor and manage their children’s online activity. As part of the agreement, Meta has agreed to pay $12.6 billion in damages, with 7% of the total amount—approximately $942 million—paid immediately, according to CNBC’s Jim Cramer. The remaining funds will be distributed over time as outlined in the settlement terms. Shares of Meta saw a significant premarket surge, rising 5% following the announcement, reflecting investor optimism about the resolution of the legal dispute. The settlement comes after a protracted trial that had been ongoing at the Oakland federal courthouse.#meta #rob_bonta #california_attorney_general #new_jersey_attorney_general #colorado_attorney_general
Fifa ordered to explain World Cup ticket pricing The attorneys general of New York and New Jersey have launched an investigation into FIFA’s ticket pricing and transport costs for the 2026 World Cup, accusing the organization of “artificially inflating prices” and “misleading fans.” The probe follows allegations that FIFA’s ticket sales strategies created confusion, fake scarcity, and exorbitant costs for fans. New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport described the process as a “gauntlet of confusion, fake scarcity and impossibly high prices,” emphasizing that the investigation would scrutinize FIFA’s conduct and demand the organization provide internal documents through a subpoena. The investigation, announced jointly by New York Attorney General Letitia James, New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) commissioner Samuel AA Levine, and Davenport, focuses on claims that FIFA manipulated ticket pricing and seat allocations. Fans reported being misled about seat locations, including the creation of more expensive “front” category tickets released after initial sales. Additionally, variable pricing across different phases of ticket sales is alleged to have allowed FIFA to raise prices for about 90 of the 104 fixtures by an average of 34%. The inquiry will examine how ticket release schedules and public statements influenced pricing. FIFA has declined to comment on the allegations, despite repeated calls for transparency. The organization’s president, Gianni Infantino, previously defended the ticket costs by stating they reflect the “absolutely crazy” demand for the tournament. However, as of Wednesday, face-value tickets were available for 86 of the 104 matches, with all but 10 group-stage fixtures already scheduled.#fifa #metlife_stadium #new_york_attorney_general #new_jersey_attorney_general #new_jersey_governor
