Meta Ordered to Pay $375 Million Over Child Safety Misleading Claims
A court in New Mexico has mandated that Meta pay $375 million (£279 million) for misleading users regarding the safety of its platforms for children.
A jury determined that Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, was responsible for the manner in which its platforms endangered children by exposing them to sexually explicit content and contact with sexual predators.
New Mexico Attorney General Ruben Torrez described the verdict as "historic," noting it is the first occasion a state has successfully sued Meta over child safety concerns.
A Meta spokeswoman, representing the company led by chairman and chief executive Mark Zuckerberg, stated that Meta disagrees with the verdict and plans to appeal.
"This verdict is historic," said New Mexico Attorney General Ruben Torrez, marking the first successful state lawsuit against Meta on child safety issues.
A Meta spokeswoman said, "The company disagrees with the verdict and intends to appeal."
