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A New Mexico judge has ordered Meta to pay more than half a billion dollars, ruling that the social media giant created a "public nuisance" and harmed children on its platforms. This follows a March jury decision that found the company liable for endangering minors and making them vulnerable to predators, leading to an initial $375 million damages award.

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We disagree with the ruling and will appeal.

Meta stated it disagrees with the ruling and intends to appeal. The company maintains its efforts to ensure user safety and has been open about the challenges in removing malicious actors and harmful content. "We will continue to defend ourselves against claims that misrepresent the facts," a Meta spokesperson said.

New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez sued Meta in 2023, alleging the company failed to protect children from online dangers. During the trial, prosecutors argued that Meta's algorithms directed adults toward content posted by minors while the company concealed internal knowledge of these risks. The jury's March verdict found Meta violated the state's Unfair Practices Act by misleading consumers about product safety for children.

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We work hard to keep people safe on our platforms and have been transparent about the challenges of identifying and removing bad actors and harmful content.

"This case has always been about protecting children, standing up for families, and making sure that one of the world’s largest technology companies cannot profit from practices that endanger young people without consequence," Torrez said in a statement Thursday. "Today’s decision is a victory for every parent who has worried about what social media is doing to their child and every child who deserves to grow up safer online."

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This case has always been about protecting children, standing up for families, and making sure that one of the world’s largest technology companies cannot profit from practices that endanger young people without consequence.

The $567 million will be paid over five years, with roughly three-quarters allocated to mental health treatment and the remainder for awareness, prevention, screening, referral, and coordination programs. Meta will also provide semi-annual compliance updates and must make product changes, including efforts to prevent children under 13 in New Mexico from accessing Facebook and Instagram.

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Today’s decision is a victory for every parent who has worried about what social media is doing to their child and every child who deserves to grow up safer online.