A New Mexico jury ordered Meta Platforms to pay $375 million in damages for child safety failures. The verdict follows a seven-week trial involving the company’s Facebook and Instagram platforms. Jurors found that Meta violated state consumer protection laws by failing to safeguard minors from predators.
New Mexico’s Attorney General accused the company of prioritizing corporate profits over the safety of children. The lawsuit alleged that Meta made false or misleading statements about platform security while engaging in unconscionable trade practices.
State investigators claimed the company’s platforms served as a breeding ground for predators. The prosecution argued that Meta remained aware of the specific risks regarding child sexual exploitation.