Meta ordered to pay $567 million by NM court, over mental health harms to kids online

[DaMostHy]

08 07 26

New Mexico judge rules against Meta in second phase of trial​

NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – A New Mexico judge has issued a decision on phase 2 of the state’s trial against Facebook and Instagram’s parent company. The New Mexico Department of Justice took legal action against Meta, claiming its platforms are a “public nuisance” for failing to protect children from online sex predators.

New Mexico jury finds Meta violated state law in child safety trial; company to pay $375M
It has been a long legal battle between New Mexico and Meta Platforms. The state accused the company of failing to protect children from online sex predators. Now the social media giant is getting hit again.

Phase one of the trial ended with Meta required to pay $375 million in civil penalties. Thursday, Judge Bryan Biedscheid found Meta caused a public nuisance, ordering the company to pay an additional $567 million into an abatement fund to address the harm its platforms have done to children. Those funds will go to mental health treatment, prevention, awareness, and other areas.


Judge Biedscheid also ordered Meta to make some changes to their platforms to prevent sexual exploitation of children, reduce addictive elements, and improve their age assurance features. While the federal Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) bars Meta from implementing age verification, the judge directed Meta to continue improving its artificial intelligence tools to estimate a user’s age.

For users believed to be under 13 years old, Meta must request proof of age. Those who don’t provide it must have their accounts marked for deletion. If an age cannot be estimated, Meta must treat those users as if they are under 13.

A Meta spokesperson sent this statement:

We disagree with the ruling and will appeal. We work hard to keep people safe on our platforms and have been transparent about the challenges of identifying and removing bad actors and harmful content. We remain confident in our record of protecting teens online and will continue to defend ourselves against claims that misrepresent the facts.

New Mexico Department of Justice Attorney General Raúl Torrez sent this statement:

Today’s ruling marks a landmark victory for the people of New Mexico and for families across the country.

After finding that Meta violated New Mexico’s Unfair Practices Act and created a public nuisance, the Court has now ordered sweeping relief that holds the company accountable for the harm its platforms have caused. In addition to the jury’s $375 million civil penalty, the Court has ordered Meta to fund a $567 million abatement program dedicated to addressing the youth mental health crisis, preventing child exploitation, expanding treatment and recovery services, and implementing meaningful safety reforms.

This judgment sends an unmistakable message: when a company knowingly designs products that put children at risk and refuses to correct course, it will be held accountable. The Court’s order requires real, structural changes, not just promises, and provides the resources New Mexico needs to begin repairing the damage caused by Meta’s conduct.

“This case has always been about protecting children, standing up for families, and making sure that one of the world’s largest technology companies cannot profit from practices that endanger young people without consequence. Today’s decision is a victory for every parent who has worried about what social media is doing to their child and every child who deserves to grow up safer online.”

 

[Lexx Diamond]

I want to cash in that.

 

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Is that all?