US judge orders Meta to pay $567 million in child safety case
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A New Mexico judge ordered Meta Platforms Inc. to pay $567 million in a child safety lawsuit, ruling that the social media giant’s practices amounted to a “public nuisance” akin to air pollution. The penalty, combined with an earlier $375 million award, brings total fines in the case to $942 million. Meta plans to appeal the decision, even as it faces thousands of similar lawsuits across the United States.
The $567 Million Penalty
Judge Bryan Biedscheid of the New Mexico state court characterized Meta’s platforms as a factory producing harmful content, with damages to children equated to pollution requiring mitigation. The ruling marks the first time a social media company has been held liable under the “public nuisance” doctrine. The case originated from a 2023 lawsuit by the New Mexico Attorney General, alleging that Meta’s recommendation algorithms steered minors toward explicit content and sexual predators. In the first phase of the trial, Meta was found to have repeatedly violated New Mexico’s Unfair Trade Practices Act.
Meta’s Appeal and Defense
A Meta spokesperson said the company disagrees with the ruling and will appeal. The company emphasized its efforts to keep people safe on its platforms and its transparency about challenges in detecting harmful content. Meta had also planned to appeal the earlier $375 million judgment. The company maintains that its track record in protecting young people online is strong.
Wave of U.S. Lawsuits
Meta faces thousands of similar lawsuits across the U.S., including a recent loss in Los Angeles over comparable claims. The New Mexico case is the first successful state lawsuit against Meta over child safety. The ruling could set a precedent for other jurisdictions. Penalties are intended to fund a program to mitigate future harms.
What's Next
Meta is expected to file an appeal in the coming weeks, potentially delaying any payment. It remains unclear whether other courts will adopt the public nuisance framework, increasing legal and financial risks for social media platforms.
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US judge orders Meta to pay $567 million in child safety case
