Pakistan, Aug. 27 -- Meta has agreed to pay $16.7 billion over allegations involving children's social media use. The settlement concerns claims that its platforms encouraged young users to remain online longer. The amount equals roughly Rs4.7 trillion in Pakistani currency.

The allegations focus on Facebook and Instagram's methods for keeping underage users engaged. Critics claimed these practices could increase children's dependence on social media platforms. The settlement brings a major federal case concerning social media's effects on children closer to an end.

Under the agreement, Meta will introduce major changes to Facebook and Instagram. Users under 18 will have their daily platform use automatically limited to two hours. The c...