A New Mexico judge ordered Meta to pay $567 million to address claims that the social media giant created a 'public nuisance' and harmed children. This follows a previous ruling in March where Meta was ordered to pay $375 million in damages. Meta plans to appeal both rulings, maintaining that it works hard to keep people safe on its platforms.
Background and Previous Rulings
New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez sued Meta in 2023, alleging that the company failed to protect children from online dangers. In March, a jury found Meta liable for endangering children by making them vulnerable to predators on its platforms. The new ruling requires Meta to make changes to its products, including limiting push notifications and usage for users under 18.
Fund Allocation and Company Response
Around three-quarters of the $567 million fund will be used for mental health treatment, to be paid over five years. The remaining amount is allocated for awareness, prevention, screening, assessment, referral, linkage, coordination, implementation, and evaluation programs. Meta expressed disagreement with the ruling and reiterated its commitment to protecting teens online.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Litigation
This ruling is part of a broader trend of lawsuits against social media companies for alleged harms to children. More than 30 US states are suing Meta over similar allegations, with a potential trial set to begin in August in California. The case highlights ongoing efforts to hold tech companies accountable for the safety of young users.
