Meta ordered in US to pay US$567 million to address child safety harms
A New Mexico judge on Thursday ordered Meta to pay more than half a billion dollars over the state’s claims that the social media giant created a “public nuisance” and harmed children. Meta was previously ordered to pay US$375 million in damages to New Mexico in March when a jury found the company liable for endangering children by making them vulnerable to predators on its platforms, among other…
A New Mexico judge has ordered Meta to pay over US$567 million to address child safety harms caused by the social media giant's platforms. Meta previously agreed to pay US$375 million in damages in March after a jury found the company liable for endangering children through its platforms. The New Mexico Attorney General, Raul Torrez, sued Meta in 2023, claiming the company failed to protect children from online dangers.
During closing arguments, prosecutor Linda Singer argued that Meta's algorithms directed adults towards content posted by teenage users while concealing internal findings about the risks to young people. Judge Bryan Biedscheid ruled that Meta must make changes to its products, including limiting push notifications and usage for users under the age of 18.
Around three-quarters of the new US$567 million fund will go towards mental health treatment, with the remaining amount allocated to prevention, screening, referral and coordination programs. Meta will also be required to provide the court with annual updates on its efforts to comply.
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