New Mexico Court Orders Meta to Pay $375M for Failing to Protect Children Online

A New Mexico court has ordered Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, to pay $375 million (£280 million) after finding that the company knowingly harmed children’s mental health and failed to prevent sexual exploitation on its platforms. The landmark case, filed by New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez in 2023, relied on an undercover investigation where agents posed as children to document online sexual solicitations and Meta’s response. The jury concluded that Meta engaged in false or misleading statements and ‘unconscionable’ trade practices, exploiting the vulnerabilities and inexperience of children. Meta has stated it will appeal the decision and emphasized efforts to maintain safety on its platforms, although it acknowledged that some harmful content persists. The ruling is part of a broader wave of lawsuits across the United States, with more than 40 state attorneys general alleging that Instagram and Facebook deliberately design features that contribute to social media addiction and mental health issues among minors. Advocacy groups described the verdict as a ‘watershed moment,’ emphasizing the need for greater accountability from Big Tech companies in protecting young users. This case represents the first jury verdict holding Meta legally responsible for knowingly failing to protect children on its social media platforms.