Meta fined $375 million as US jury finds child safety failures on the platform
Facebook-parent Meta has been fined $375 million after a New Mexico jury found the social media giant liable for endangering children by exposing them to predators and harmful content on its platforms, according to AFP. The verdict followed a six-week trial in which the state accused the company, which owns Facebook and Instagram, of failing to protect minors from sexual abuse, online solicitation and human trafficking. While the state had sought $2.2 billion in damages, the jury awarded a lower amount. Meta said it would appeal the decision, as the case marks one of the first major jury rulings on child safety and social media platforms.
A New Mexico jury on Tuesday found Meta liable under the state’s Unfair Practices Act, saying the company misled users about the safety of its platforms for children.
The case was heard in a Santa Fe court and is among the first of its kind to result in a jury verdict related to child safety on social media.
New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez called the verdict a “historic victory,” alleging that Meta prioritised profits over the safety of children. He said company executives were aware of the risks but failed to act and misled the public.
Meta to challenge the ruling
Meta, however, said it disagrees with the ruling and plans to challenge it. The company said it continues to invest in safety measures and acknowledged the challenges of identifying harmful content and users.
The trial included testimony from about 40 witnesses, including whistleblowers, and reviewed hundreds of internal documents and reports.
The lawsuit, originally filed in 2023, accused Meta and its CEO Mark Zuckerberg of failing to protect minors, with allegations that its algorithms directed harmful content toward younger users.
As per the report, second phase of the case is set to begin on May 4, where the court will consider additional penalties and possible changes to Meta’s platform and operations.
Meanwhile, a separate case in California is also examining whether Meta and YouTube should be held responsible for harm caused to children, a decision that could impact similar lawsuits across the United States.
A New Mexico jury on Tuesday found Meta liable under the state’s Unfair Practices Act, saying the company misled users about the safety of its platforms for children.
The case was heard in a Santa Fe court and is among the first of its kind to result in a jury verdict related to child safety on social media.
New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez called the verdict a “historic victory,” alleging that Meta prioritised profits over the safety of children. He said company executives were aware of the risks but failed to act and misled the public.
Meta to challenge the ruling
Meta, however, said it disagrees with the ruling and plans to challenge it. The company said it continues to invest in safety measures and acknowledged the challenges of identifying harmful content and users.
The trial included testimony from about 40 witnesses, including whistleblowers, and reviewed hundreds of internal documents and reports.
The lawsuit, originally filed in 2023, accused Meta and its CEO Mark Zuckerberg of failing to protect minors, with allegations that its algorithms directed harmful content toward younger users.
As per the report, second phase of the case is set to begin on May 4, where the court will consider additional penalties and possible changes to Meta’s platform and operations.
Meanwhile, a separate case in California is also examining whether Meta and YouTube should be held responsible for harm caused to children, a decision that could impact similar lawsuits across the United States.
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