New Mexico Judge Orders Meta to Pay $942 Million and Overhaul Child Safety
A New Mexico judge mandated Meta to pay $942 million and implement safety changes after a jury found it liable for harming children online.
In a Thursday decision, a New Mexico state judge ordered Meta to remit a total of $942 million for alleged harms to children on its platforms. The amount combines a $375 million jury award from March and an additional $567 million imposed by Judge Bryan Biedscheid, with $420 million earmarked for an abatement fund to support treatment services. The judge also required Meta to modify its platforms to enhance child safety.
New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez described the verdict as a victory for parents and children. Meta disputed the findings, stating it strives to keep users safe and will appeal the judgment. The company’s spokesperson emphasized confidence in its teen-protection record despite the lawsuit.
Why it matters
The massive penalty forces a leading tech firm to overhaul how it safeguards minors online.
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