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New Mexico Court Orders Meta to Pay $942 Million for Child Safety Violations

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A New Mexico Court judge has ordered Meta to pay a fine of $567 million on top of the $375 million levied in March, bringing the total fines to $942 million. The case focuses on social media harms and addiction related to Meta's platforms.

  • The court mandates structural changes for Meta's operations in New Mexico, including:

    • Removal of Like counts for users under 18, visible only with parental approval.
    • Limitation of push notifications to underaged users between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.
    • Restriction of usage to 90 hours a month for young users.

  • The judgment cites risks such as sexual exploitation, interference with education, and mental health issues caused by Meta's platforms.

  • Although acknowledging Meta is not alone in contributing to a mental health crisis, the judge emphasized the company's significant impact.

  • Meta plans to appeal, emphasizing their efforts to maintain safety and reject accusations of negligence.

  • State Attorney General Raúl Torrez claims Meta prioritized profit over safety, resulting in harm to children and accountability through these fines.

  • The ruling follows similar legal challenges for Meta, including a loss in Los Angeles and facing multiple lawsuits from states like Tennessee and a joint one from 33 states in California.