Meta's $18 Billion Settlement With 47 States Has a Catch

Meta agreed to pay 47 states $18 billion over ten years for teen-safety failures. But $5 billion of that only comes due if rival apps like Snapchat and TikTok agree to similar safety rules. If they refuse, Meta pays less. Meta guaranteed 70% of the total no matter what — using its own payout as leverage to pressure competitors.