Meta Hit with $567m Fine for Child Harm
A New Mexico court has ordered Meta to pay $567 million to abate a public nuisance and address child harm following a state lawsuit over platform safety features. The lawsuit, filed by New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez in 2023, alleged that Meta failed to protect children from online dangers. Around three-quarters of the funds will be used for mental health treatment over a five-year period.
This ruling affects not just Meta but potentially sets a precedent for other social media companies, as over 30 US states are suing Meta over similar allegations. The decision also requires Meta to make changes to its products, including limiting push notifications to 90 hours a month for users under 18 and hiding “like counts.” Meta has stated that it disagrees with the ruling and will appeal.
To comply with the court’s order, Meta will need to provide updates twice a year regarding its efforts to protect young users. The company will also have to continue its efforts to keep children under the age of 13 off of Facebook and Instagram. This includes making changes to its age verification processes, which have become increasingly popular among regulators worldwide.
The ruling is part of a larger trend of lawsuits seeking to hold social media companies liable for alleged harms to children and mental health. Thousands of lawsuits have been filed in the US, with a potential trial set to begin in August in Oakland, California. In May, Meta, Snap, TikTok, and YouTube reached confidential settlements with a Kentucky school district.
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Meta Fine | $567 million |
