Meta Ordered to Pay $375 Million in New Mexico Child Safety Case

A jury in New Mexico has ordered Meta Platforms to pay $375 million for failing to protect minors on its social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. The verdict, delivered after a six-week trial, marks the first successful state lawsuit against Meta concerning child safety issues.

The case, initiated by New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez in 2023, accused Meta of violating the state's Unfair Practices Act by prioritizing profits over the safety of young users. The lawsuit alleged that Meta's platforms exposed children to mental health risks and made them vulnerable to sexual exploitation.

During the trial, jurors heard testimony from 40 witnesses, including former employees turned whistleblowers, and reviewed extensive internal documents. The jury concluded that Meta made false or misleading statements and engaged in unconscionable trade practices that exploited the vulnerabilities of children.

In response to the verdict, a Meta spokesperson stated, "We respectfully disagree with the verdict and will appeal. We work hard to keep people safe on our platforms and are clear about the challenges of identifying and removing bad actors or harmful content."

Attorney General Torrez hailed the decision as "a historic victory for every child and family who has paid the price for Meta's choice to put profits over kids' safety." He emphasized that the substantial damages should serve as a clear message to tech executives that no company is beyond the reach of the law.

A second phase of the proceedings is scheduled for May, during which a judge will consider additional penalties and potential changes to Meta's platform operations. This case is part of a broader wave of lawsuits against social media companies regarding their impact on young people's mental health.