Instagram Yields, While TikTok and YouTube Await Similar Fate

Meta is reportedly implementing restrictions for users under the age of 18 and has been hit with substantial fines following a trial in California. A similar fate now looms over other social media platforms, ranging from TikTok to YouTube.

Meta has reached an agreement to pay US$18 billion (Rp319 trillion), implement fundamental changes for users under 18, and limit daily usage durations. However, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook stated it will only pay 70% of the settlement value upfront, amounting to US$12.7 billion (Rp225 trillion), which will be paid in instalments over 10 years to the state.

The remaining payment of US$5.3 billion (Rp94 trillion) is highly dependent on approvals from its competitors, such as TikTok and Alphabet, the parent company of YouTube.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta acknowledged that this settlement serves as a stern warning to other platforms. His office intends to seek similar outcomes from these technology companies.

“This serves as a warning to other parties in the industry that we are not finished, and we hope for similar results from them,” said Bonta, as quoted by CNBC International on Tuesday (1/9/2026).

Rob Lalka, a professor of management practice at Tulane University, predicts that TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat will soon adopt similar policy changes before facing the same complex legal situations as Meta.

“These platforms rely on trust from parents, users, and advertisers, and this settlement reflects a business decision regarding reputational risk, which must now be addressed by the boards of directors of other companies,” Lalka remarked.