New Mexico Court Rules Meta to Disburse Extra $567 Million in Child Safety Litigation
A judge in New Mexico ruled on Thursday that Meta must pay an additional fine of $567 million, supplementing the $375 million imposed earlier in March, relating to issues of social media-related harm and addiction. This raises the total financial penalty to $942 million.
The ruling also mandates that Meta implement changes to its operations within the state. Specifically, the judge ordered the removal of Like counts, with metrics displayed to users under 18 only with parental or guardian consent. Furthermore, push notifications to users below the legal age are to be disabled during nighttime hours from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., and their total usage should not exceed 90 hours per month, equating to around three hours daily.
“Large numbers of residents in New Mexico face harm from Meta’s products due to risks associated with sexual exploitation, disruption of education, and negative mental health effects,” the judgment stated.
The judge noted that while Meta is not the sole platform contributing to a mental health crisis among youth in New Mexico, its services play a considerable role in this issue. He described the company’s actions as resulting in a notable “public nuisance” in the state, necessitating rectification.
Meta announced plans to appeal the decision.
“We strive to ensure safety on our platforms and have been open about the complexities of identifying and eliminating harmful content and bad actors. We believe in our record of safeguarding teens online and will continue to counter claims that distort the truth,” stated company spokesperson Andy Stone in an email.
“For years, Meta was aware that its platforms were detrimental to the youth in New Mexico, contributing to a mental health crisis and enabling predators to connect with children, prioritizing profits and engagement over their safety,” remarked New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez.
“Today’s ruling holds Meta accountable for its choices and addresses the harm it has inflicted on children, families, and educational institutions, compelling real changes in Meta’s operations within the state,” he further asserted.
This ruling follows another defeat for Meta in Los Angeles in March, where the court similarly ruled against the company for fostering addictive behaviors.
Meta is currently facing multiple legal challenges across the country, including a significant lawsuit involving 33 states, which was consolidated in a federal court in Oakland, California. Additional states, including Tennessee, have also initiated their own legal actions against the firm.
