Home / Crime and Justice / Jury Slams Meta $375M for Child Safety Failures
Jury Slams Meta $375M for Child Safety Failures
25 Mar
Summary
- Meta found liable for endangering children on its platforms.
- A jury awarded $375 million in damages to the state.
- The verdict stems from a suit alleging failure to protect minors.
A New Mexico jury recently delivered a historic verdict, finding social media giant Meta liable for endangering children on its platforms. Following a six-week trial, the jury determined that Meta failed to protect minors from dangers such as sexual abuse and online solicitation. The state had sought $2.2 billion, but the jury ultimately awarded $375 million in damages.
New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez hailed the verdict as a significant win for families, asserting that Meta executives were aware of the harm their products caused to children. The lawsuit, filed in 2023, alleged that the company disregarded internal warnings and misled the public regarding child safety. Meta has stated it respectfully disagrees with the verdict and plans to appeal the decision.
The jury's finding of liability under the state's Unfair Practices Act concluded the first phase of proceedings. A second phase is scheduled to begin May 4, where a judge will consider additional penalties and potential platform changes. Meanwhile, a separate California case involving Meta and YouTube addresses similar child safety concerns and potential platform addiction.
