Meta ordered to pay $567 million in public nuisance ruling

Meta Platforms has been ordered to pay an additional $567 million in the second phase of New Mexico's landmark child safety case, bringing total charges to nearly $1 billion for being a "public nuisance." In a ruling published on Thursday, the Santa Fe district court found that Meta's platforms are a "significant contributing cause" of a teen mental health crisis affecting public health and safety throughout New Mexico.

The state accused Meta of allowing its social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, to foster harmful mental health practices and expose young users to dangerous content. The court determined that the company was aware of the potential harm to young people but failed to take adequate measures to prevent it.

This ruling follows a previous decision in 2022 where Meta was ordered to pay $201 million. The combined penalties underscore the court's stance on the responsibility of major technology companies for the well-being of young users.

New Mexico's Attorney General stated that the case was about protecting children and standing up for families. The ruling sends a message that major technology companies cannot profit from practices that endanger young people without consequence.