First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarcone Statement on Online Safety Following Meta Settlement

ALBANY, NEW YORK - Today's announcement that Meta has agreed to pay up to $17.1 billion and implement reforms across Facebook and Instagram is an encouraging step forward. For years, children and teens have been harmed by social media platforms that deployed deceptive, addictive, and emotionally manipulative algorithms designed to keep young users online longer, ultimately boosting corporate profits at the expense of children's well-being.

Rates of chronic social media addiction among youth continue to rise, exposing children and teens to significant online dangers. While digital platforms can be valuable tools for learning and connection, they also create opportunities for predatory individuals to target and exploit vulnerable young people.

For parents and caregivers looking for ways to better understand their child's online activity, there are some simple, practical steps worth considering. Discussing with your child what information they share with others can help ensure sensitive personal details-such as photos, school information, or locations-are not being shared publicly. Keeping profiles private, using non-identifying usernames or images, limiting personal information, and adjusting privacy settings on all devices, including tablets and smartwatches, are easy ways to strengthen digital safety.

The Department of Justice's flagship child-safety initiative, Project Safe Childhood, is a nationwide effort to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood brings together federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children online, as well as identify and rescue victims.

In an increasingly digital world, it is essential that adults engage children and teens in ongoing, age-appropriate conversations about online safety. To learn more, visit: https://www.justice.gov/psc.

If you believe a child is in immediate danger or need to report a crime, contact your local law enforcement office. For reporting online exploitation, suspicious activity, or to seek additional information, visit CyberTipline.com or call 800-843-5678.