Meta Platforms Inc. has agreed to pay up to approximately $18 billion to reach a settlement with multiple U.S. states in a landmark case. The company was accused of deliberately designing Facebook and Instagram as platforms that induce compulsive use among young users. According to court documents disclosed on Wednesday, the settlement requires Meta to implement new protective measures on its platforms, including limiting consecutive browsing time for teenagers and prohibiting the deactivation of certain safety settings without parental consent.