Meta ordered to pay another $567 million for harm to children

A court in the US state of New Mexico ordered Meta to pay an additional $567 million to remedy the harm its social networks caused to children and teenagers. Combined with the previous fine, the company’s total financial obligations in this case reached $942 million.

In March, a jury found Meta liable for systematically violating the Unfair Trade Practices Act and imposed a $375 million fine. During the second phase of the proceedings, Judge Bryan Biedscheid deemed the company’s platforms “a public nuisance.”

Of the additional $567 million, about $420 million is to go toward treatment and support for young people harmed by social media use. The remaining funds will be used for prevention, education, and other programs over five years.

The court also ordered Meta to strengthen age verification for users, improve protections for minors, and regularly report on compliance with the established requirements.

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez called the decision a model that other US states could use to hold technology companies accountable.

“We disagree with the decision and will appeal”, a Meta spokesperson said.

The company claims it is working on teen safety and will continue to defend itself against accusations that, in its view, misrepresent its platforms’ work.

Based on materials from:

По материалам: Sky News, The Guardian