YouTube CEO Rejects Meta's Youth Safety Deal

YouTube CEO Neal Mohan has officially rejected Meta's proposed multistate settlement concerning child safety and its alleged contribution to a youth mental health crisis. This landmark $18 billion agreement sought to address claims that Meta's platforms are designed to be addictive for young users.

Mohan asserted that YouTube has consistently invested in and prioritized the safety of its young users for a considerable period. He indicated that the platform will continue to focus on its existing safety initiatives, which include features like parental controls for time limits on its short-form video product, Shorts, and collaboration with third-party child safety experts.

Meta had been attempting to compel rivals, including YouTube and TikTok, to adopt changes similar to those outlined in its settlement. These proposed changes included features like time limits and the removal of 'like' counts for teen users, alongside third-party oversight of safety practices. As part of its deal, Meta stated that only 70% of the settlement would be paid unless TikTok and YouTube agreed to pay approximately $6 billion each and implement comparable changes.

YouTube's stance comes despite being found liable alongside Meta in a separate trial in March for intentionally addicting a young woman, which negatively impacted her mental health. Both companies are reportedly planning appeals for that verdict. TikTok has not yet commented on Meta's calls to join the agreement, and representatives for the state attorneys general have indicated a willingness to pursue legal action if necessary.