If Meta’s going down, it’s taking TikTok and YouTube with it

<figure> <img alt="Graphic collage of Mark Zuckerberg." data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="Image: Cath Virginia / The Verge; Getty Images" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25546248/STK169_Mark_Zuckerburg_CVIRGINIA_B.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> </figcaption> </figure> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Meta might be <a href="https://www.theverge.com/policy/985032/meta-state-ag-kids-online-safety-settlement">on the hook for $17.1 billion</a> and <a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/985329/instagram-facebook-meta-settlement-changes">a host of app changes</a> under a new kids safety settlement, but it's already spinning the deal to its advantage.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">After years of being the national punching bag for social media harms, Meta has reached a settlement with 47 US states and several districts and territories that gives it a rare opportunity: A chance to flex on its rivals. "We want to ensure teens benefit from this new industry standard, but we cannot do it alone," Meta says in an "<a href="https://about.fb.com/news/2026/08/open-letter-to-tiktok-and-youtube-to-join-us-in-supporting-teens/">Open Letter</a>" that is <a href="https://www.theverge.com/policy/985183/meta-is-planning-an-ad-blitz-urging-tiktok-and-youtube-to-follow-its-lead">also running as a full-page ad</a> in <em>The New York Times</em>, <em>Los Angeles Times</em>, and <em>Washington Post.</em> "These protections will only be truly ef …</p> <p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/policy/985556/meta-settlement-youtube-tiktok-snap">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>