United Kingdom, Aug. 27 -- Meta has agreed to an $18 billion (£13.3 billion) settlement with US states and territories over claims that Facebook and Instagram harmed children, in the company's largest payment to date over child safety litigation.

A California judge approved the deal, which will see Meta pay 48 states, the District of Columbia and three US territories in annual instalments over 10 years.

Meta has denied wrongdoing.

The settlement also requires significant changes to the way teenagers use its platforms, including a default two-hour daily limit across Instagram and Facebook.

The limit can only be disabled with permission from a parent or guardian.

Notifications will also be blocked automatically between midnight an...