Meta fined $567 million in New Mexico over child protection failures

A New Mexico court has ordered Meta to pay $567 million in penalties for its failure to protect children from sexual predators on its social media platforms. This decision significantly expands on a previous $375 million fine imposed in March, where a jury found the social media giant liable for exposing minors to online predators.

The ruling establishes a crucial precedent, as numerous other U.S. states have filed lawsuits alleging harm to children's mental health. A major case against Meta is set to begin in California next week. New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez hailed the decision as a victory for parents concerned about social media's impact on their children and for every child deserving a safer online environment.

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This decision is a victory for all parents who have worried about what social media is doing to their child, and for every child who deserves to grow up in a safer environment using the internet.

This marks the first time a U.S. court has found a social media company liable for creating a "public nuisance." The court also mandated specific changes for Meta, including limiting features like auto-playing videos, infinite scroll, and push notifications for users under 18 to 90 hours per month. The company must also hide like counts and prevent children under 13 from accessing Facebook and Instagram in New Mexico. Meta has stated it disagrees with the ruling and will appeal, asserting its commitment to protecting teens online.

The judgment allocates approximately three-quarters of the fine to a mental health treatment fund and payments over five years. The remainder will support programs raising awareness about online child dangers and ensuring Meta implements court-ordered changes. Meta faces thousands of other lawsuits accusing it of endangering children, with the outcome of these cases potentially shaped by this New Mexico ruling.

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We disagree with the decision and will appeal.