US court fines Meta $567m over child safety on Facebook, Instagram

A US state court has ordered Meta to pay $567 million and restrict certain features for children on its Facebook and Instagram platforms. The court determined that the social media giant had created a "public nuisance" that endangered young users.

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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.

This ruling in New Mexico follows a previous fine of $375 million in March, when a jury found Meta liable for making youths vulnerable to predators on its platforms. Meta has stated its intention to appeal the decision. The ruling is significant as it sets a precedent amid dozens of other US states pursuing lawsuits alleging harm to children and their mental health. A major trial against Meta is scheduled to begin in California next week.

New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez hailed the decision as a victory for parents and children, stating, "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."

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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 court's order marks the first time a US court has found a social media firm guilty of creating a "public nuisance." Approximately three-fourths of the $567 million payment will fund a mental health treatment program over five years. The remaining funds will support awareness and prevention programs for youth and ensure Meta implements the ordered changes.

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We disagree with the ruling and will appeal.

Judge Bryan Biedscheid's ruling highlighted teenagers' susceptibility to engagement-boosting features like autoplay, infinite scrolling, "like" counts, push notifications, and algorithmic recommendations. Meta is now required to limit push notifications and usage to 90 hours per month for users under 18, approximately three hours daily. The company must also block certain notifications during school hours, hide "like counts," and work to prevent children under 13 from joining Facebook or Instagram in New Mexico. Meta must provide the court with semi-annual updates on its compliance efforts.

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We remained confident in our record of protecting teens online and will continue to defend ourselves against claims that misrepresent the facts.