Meta Ordered to Pay $567 Million in New Mexico Child Safety Lawsuit

POLICY WIRE — Santa Fe, New Mexico — A New Mexico judge ordered Meta to pay $567 million on Thursday, finding the social media company created a public nuisance and harmed children. The ruling follows a March jury verdict awarding the state $375 million after finding Meta liable for exposing children to online predators and other harms.

The total amount ordered by the judge includes the initial jury award — and additional penalties. The state of New Mexico filed the lawsuit in 2021, alleging that Meta’s platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, endangered children by facilitating contact with predators and exposing them to harmful content.

In the March verdict, the jury determined that Meta was liable for the harms caused, leading to the $375 million award. The recent judge’s order adds further financial penalties, bringing the total to $567 million.

Meta has yet to comment on the judge’s order. The company previously stated that it takes the safety of its users, especially children, very seriously and has implemented various measures to protect young users.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)