Social media giant Meta ordered to pay $567 million in New Mexico child safety ruling
A New Mexico judge on Thursday ordered Meta to pay more than $500 million, finding the social media company created a public nuisance and harmed children. The ruling follows a March jury verdict awarding the state $375 million after finding Meta liable for exposing children to online predators and other harms.
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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