Meta ordered to pay $375 million over child safety concerns

A New Mexico Jury Orders Meta to Pay $375m in Damages

A jury in New Mexico has delivered a verdict ordering Meta, the parent company of Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, to pay $375 million in damages for allegedly harming children’s mental health and making them vulnerable to exploitation. The six-week trial concluded on Tuesday with jurors siding with state prosecutors who accused Meta of prioritizing profits over safety.

The jury agreed that Meta made false or misleading statements and engaged in “unconscionable” trade practices that unfairly took advantage of the vulnerabilities and inexperience of children. Jurors heard testimony from 40 witnesses, including employees-turned-whistle-blowers, and reviewed hundreds of documents, reports, and emails.

Meta has stated that it will appeal the verdict, citing its efforts to keep people safe on its platforms. New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez took Meta and CEO Mark Zuckerberg to court in 2023 after an undercover operation revealed that fake accounts on Facebook and Instagram received sexually explicit material and were contacted by adults seeking similar content.

The verdict marks the first time a US state has successfully sued Meta over child safety issues. A second phase of New Mexico’s proceedings against Meta is scheduled to begin in May, when a judge will hear the state’s claim for additional penalties and specific changes to Meta’s platforms and operations.

Source: Al Jazeera