Meta ordered to pay $375m over child safety failures

A jury in the United States has ordered Meta to pay $375 million in damages after finding the company harmed children’s mental health and exposed them to risks of sexual exploitation.

The verdict, delivered in New Mexico after a six-week trial, marks the first successful lawsuit by a U.S. state against the social media company over child safety concerns.

State prosecutors argued that Meta, which owns Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, prioritized profits over user safety and violated consumer protection laws. Jurors agreed that the company made misleading statements and engaged in unfair practices that took advantage of children’s vulnerability.

During the trial, jurors heard from dozens of witnesses, including whistleblowers, and reviewed extensive internal documents and communications.

Meta said it disagrees with the decision and plans to appeal, stating it continues to invest in efforts to keep users safe and address harmful content.

The lawsuit was brought by New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez, who launched legal action in 2023 following an undercover investigation. Authorities created accounts posing as users under 14 and reported receiving explicit content and contact from adults, leading to criminal charges against several individuals.

Torrez described the ruling as a major victory for children and families, saying it sends a strong message that tech companies must be held accountable.

A second phase of the case is set to begin in May, where a judge will consider additional penalties and potential changes to Meta’s platforms and operations.

Meanwhile, a separate case in California is examining whether Meta and YouTube should be held responsible for harms caused to children, including claims that their platforms are designed to be addictive. That case could influence thousands of similar lawsuits across the United States.