Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont's administration had a busy week, announcing a historic $17.1 billion multistate settlement with Meta Platforms, Inc. over children's online safety, and filing a lawsuit against Kalshi to halt illegal sports betting. The Meta settlement, the largest state settlement with a single defendant in U.S. history, will see Connecticut receive up to $265.4 million, with half dedicated to remediating youth harms from social media.
"Social media is all too often anti-social," Governor Lamont said, emphasizing the need for strong protections for children. Attorney General William Tong represented Connecticut in the agreement, which resolves claims that Meta designed addictive apps and misled the public about platform safety.
In other legal action, Governor Lamont and Attorney General Tong announced a lawsuit against Kalshi, seeking an injunction to block the online betting site from offering unlicensed sports wagers. "These prediction markets put Connecticut consumers, young people, our student athletes, and those suffering from gambling addiction at serious risk," Governor Lamont said.
The governor also visited Waterbury to announce a project to redevelop the former St. Mary's Grammar School into 47 affordable housing units for healthcare workers. He noted the state's investment in over 1,500 housing units in Waterbury since 2019. Additionally, Governor Lamont reinforced state policy regarding immigrant rights, criticizing federal activity targeting the immigrant community. "Connecticut does not want, nor do we need, the type of presence ICE has had in our state this week," he said, releasing guidance for residents on their rights.
Finally, Governor Lamont visited the UConn campus in Storrs to greet students on move-in day, wishing them well for the new academic year.