Meta has agreed to pay up to $18 billion to settle a major legal battle with US states over allegations that its social media platforms harmed children and were designed to be addictive.

Axar.az reports, citing Financial Times, that under the agreement, Meta will pay $16.68 billion to 47 states, Washington, DC, and three US territories, while a separate $1 billion settlement with Texas brings the total to about $18 billion.

The deal still requires court approval and does not include an admission of wrongdoing.

As part of the settlement, Meta will introduce default daily time limits and nighttime restrictions for teenage users, strengthen age-verification measures and provide parents with additional controls.

The restrictions will not apply to WhatsApp or other direct-messaging services.

Meta said about $5.3 billion of the settlement would be conditional on YouTube and TikTok agreeing to similar payments and safety measures, arguing that teenagers use multiple platforms.

The company will make its settlement payments over 10 years and expects to incur about $10 billion in legal expenses related to the agreement.

The case comes amid growing legal and political pressure on social media companies over their impact on children. Meta is also facing other lawsuits and rulings in the US alleging that its platforms contribute to addiction and harm among young users.