Sen Gounardes: Meta Settlement is a Long-Overdue Step Toward Justice for Families
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: AUGUST 26, 2026
New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes issued the following statement in response to Meta’s landmark settlement, in which it agreed to pay up to $17.1 billion in penalties and make major changes to its products over claims it endangered children with addictive social media platforms:
“This settlement is a crucial, long-overdue step toward justice for the countless families hurt by Meta’s predatory business practices. It’s also a validation of what we’ve said for years: Big Tech has put their profits over our kids’ safety, with deadly consequences. The design changes required by the court largely mirror those required by my SAFE For Kids Act, which we passed two years ago to protect children from addictive algorithms. Those algorithms work like heat-seeking missiles, targeting young people’s insecurities and keeping them scrolling endlessly.
“To be clear, this settlement doesn’t erase the enormous harm Meta has caused. It doesn’t undo the damage to countless children’s mental health and well-being. And it doesn't make up for the billions in profits they’ve made from taking advantage of young people. Nevertheless, I’m immensely grateful to Attorney General Letitia James for her work to reach this moment. Today, we’ve taken a step toward holding Big Tech accountable and creating a better, safer internet for all.”
Press Contact:
Billy Richling
Communications Director
State Senator Andrew Gounardes
917-342-2499
###