US judge orders Meta to pay $567 million over harm to children

A New Mexico judge has ordered Meta, the company behind Facebook and Instagram, to pay $567 million and make significant changes to their platforms for young users in the state. This ruling adds $567 million to the $375 million in damages awarded in March, totaling $942 million in New Mexico liability for the company. The ruling follows a lawsuit by State Attorney General Raul Torrez in 2023, who argued Meta misled the public about the safety of their platforms for children.

Judge Bryan Biedscheid stated that Meta created a "public nuisance" that harmed children's mental health. The $567 million fine, spread over five years, will primarily fund mental health treatment for young people and support prevention programs, screening, and related services. Meta is also ordered to implement changes such as monthly usage limits for teens, enhanced notification controls, and stricter safeguards against adults contacting minors.

The company must also collaborate with schools to develop a reporting system for underage users and delete any data it holds on children under 13.

Meta has indicated it will appeal the decision, emphasizing their commitment to keeping users safe on their platforms. However, the company still faces numerous lawsuits, including a trial in California and suits in multiple other states. Additionally, several countries are considering banning social media for children under 15 or 16 to mitigate online risks related to mental health, cyberbullying, and lack of physical activity.