Duke and Duchess of Sussex call agreement historic but accuse technology giant of avoiding greater accountability through settlement

LONDON: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have issued their first joint public statement since returning to the United Kingdom, criticising Meta after the technology company agreed to pay up to $18 billion to settle claims involving risks to children on its social media platforms.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex described the settlement as a “historic” development. However, they argued that Meta chose to settle the case instead of facing another trial that could have subjected the company to greater public and legal accountability.

Moreover, the couple highlighted what they described as a significant omission from Meta’s response to the settlement.

Sussexes Question Lack of Apology From Meta

Harry and Meghan said Meta had failed to offer an apology or adequately acknowledge the scale of payments connected with claims brought by a coalition of US states.

They also criticised the company’s broader business model, alleging that Meta had generated profits from children and other users through the collection and use of personal data.

Furthermore, the couple questioned whether the multibillion-dollar financial penalty would substantially affect the technology company.

They argued that Meta could potentially generate revenue equivalent to the settlement within a relatively short period, reducing the financial impact of the agreement.

Couple Calls for Greater Technology Accountability

“By choosing to settle, the company paid to avoid yet another trial outcome that would force it into accountability,” Harry and Meghan said.

Under the agreement, Meta will pay penalties linked to allegations involving violations of federal children’s privacy requirements and state consumer protection laws.

Meanwhile, Meta has announced several changes designed to strengthen protections for teenage users across its platforms.

Harry and Meghan have increasingly focused attention on online safety and the effects of social media on children.

Their latest intervention reinforces their calls for stronger safeguards, greater corporate responsibility and increased scrutiny of technology companies over how their platforms affect younger users.