PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota has received its first payment from a multistate settlement with Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram.
Attorney General Marty Jackley announced the state has received $9 million as part of a nationwide legal settlement reached after 42 state attorneys general sued Meta, alleging the company used addictive features on its social media platforms that contributed to harm among young users.
South Dakota is expected to receive approximately $52 million over the next 10 years, with the potential to receive as much as $73.5 million if certain conditions are met.
The money will be deposited into the state’s Consumer Protection Fund until state lawmakers determine how the funds will be used. Jackley said the settlement establishes stronger protections for young people online and empowers parents, adding that he hopes legislators will consider investing some of the money in education.
The settlement also requires Meta to implement additional safety measures on Facebook and Instagram as part of broader efforts to improve protections for children and teens using social media platforms.
