India, Aug. 29 -- Earlier this week, Meta agreed to pay approximately $18 Bn to settle lawsuits brought by a bipartisan group of 52 attorneys general from US states, territories, and the District of Columbia over allegations that Facebook and Instagram harmed children and teenagers.

But the more consequential part of the settlement may not be the money. Meta has also agreed to change how its platforms work for users below 18 in participating US jurisdictions.

The measures include a default two-hour daily limit across Facebook and Instagram, restrictions on access between midnight and 6 AM, muted notifications during school hours, stronger parental controls and age-assurance systems, and the option to use a non-algorithmic feed.

The usa...