Meta Fined $375 Million Over Child Safety Failures in New Mexico

New Mexico: A jury in the US state of New Mexico has imposed a hefty fine of $375 million (approximately ₹3,500 crore) on Meta, accusing the social media giant of failing to adequately protect children on its platforms.

The verdict came after a seven-week trial, during which prosecutors argued that Meta violated state consumer protection laws by not disclosing the potential risks its platforms pose to minors. The jury found that the company prioritized profits over user safety.

Meta, which owns popular platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, was found to have concealed known risks related to child sexual exploitation and the negative impact of its services on children’s mental health.

According to the ruling, the company violated provisions of New Mexico’s Unfair Practices Act by failing to provide transparent information about these dangers. The jury also agreed with allegations that Meta made misleading or deceptive statements regarding the safety of its platforms.

The court further observed that the company exploited the vulnerability and inexperience of young users. The penalty was determined after the jury identified thousands of instances of violations.

The case is being seen as a significant development in ongoing efforts to hold major technology firms accountable for user safety, particularly concerning minors.