Mark Zuckerberg's Meta faces a significant turning point following an $18 billion settlement in a landmark child safety lawsuit. For years, the tech magnate has monetized user data and engagement through aggressive platform practices. This substantial payout signals a potential shift in Meta's business model, forcing the company to reassess how it balances growth ambitions with child protection obligations. The settlement represents mounting legal and regulatory pressure that may reshape Silicon Valley's approach to platform responsibility and youth safeguarding.

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