Meta fined $567 million for harming children's mental health in New Mexico

A New Mexico court has ordered Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, to pay $567 million for endangering children's mental health. The funds will establish a support program for minors harmed by online consumption.

Judge Bryan Biedscheid found the tech giant responsible for a "public nuisance." The court also mandated significant changes to Meta's platforms for minors in the state. These changes, to be implemented over five years, include monthly usage limits for Facebook and Instagram, restricted notifications, and stricter controls on adult-minor interactions.

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We continue to believe that we have a strong track record of protecting young people online and will continue to defend against claims that misrepresent the facts.

This judgment follows a March jury decision that found Meta violated New Mexico's consumer protection law by misrepresenting the safety of Facebook and Instagram for young users. That earlier ruling ordered Meta to pay $375 million in damages.

Meta has announced its intention to appeal the decision. "We continue to believe that we have a strong track record of protecting young people online and will continue to defend against claims that misrepresent the facts," the company stated. The case is being closely watched in the U.S., as other states, municipalities, and school districts pursue similar lawsuits, potentially leading to industry-wide changes in social media practices.

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public nuisance