Meta ordered to pay $375 million for child safety violations in New Mexico exploitation case, jury finds
Meta verdict details
The trial began in Santa Fe, where New Mexico’s attorney general, Raúl Torrez, initiated a lawsuit after a fake 13-year-old girl’s profile on social media received numerous solicitations from predators.
Jurors ruled in favour of the state, concluding Meta willfully breached the state’s unfair practices act, leading to a $375 million penalty.
Torrez had sought a civil penalty exceeding $2 billion, asserting Meta prioritised profits over child safety.
A Meta spokesperson announced plans to appeal the verdict and reiterated the company’s commitment to user safety on its platforms.
Torrez remarked the jury’s decision was a significant win for children and families affected by Meta’s negligence.
In May, a judge will assess whether Meta created a public nuisance and should financially support public initiatives aimed at addressing these issues.
New Mexico prosecutors disclosed internal Meta communications showing that CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s 2019 encryption plan could hinder law enforcement’s access to child abuse material data.
Torrez noted Meta’s claims suggested selective presentation of evidence to distort perceptions while maintaining the company enhances safety features across its services.
