New Mexico Court Orders Meta to Pay Additional $567M in Child Safety Case

A court in New Mexico has mandated that Meta pay an extra $567 million in fines, in addition to the $375 million imposed in March, totaling $942 million. This decision, announced on Thursday, arises from issues related to social media addiction and its harmful effects. The court has also required Meta to implement changes in its operations within the state, such as eliminating Like counts for users under 18 unless a parent or guardian approves, halting push notifications for minors from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., and restricting their usage to 90 hours a month (around three hours daily). The judge highlighted serious risks to New Mexico residents, including potential sexual exploitation and negative impacts on education and mental health. Although acknowledging that Meta is not the sole contributor to the youth mental health crisis, the judge labeled the company a 'public nuisance' that needs to be addressed. Meta intends to appeal, with spokesperson Andy Stone emphasizing the company's commitment to transparency and its efforts to safeguard teenagers. State Attorney General Raul Torrez praised the ruling, contending that Meta prioritized engagement and profit over the safety of children. This ruling follows a defeat for Meta in Los Angeles and comes amid other lawsuits, including a collective case from 33 states in Oakland, California, as well as separate actions from states like Tennessee.