In brief
In a landmark ruling, a federal judge in New Mexico ordered Meta to pay $567 million for failing to protect children on its platforms. The figure tops prior fines, bringing the total imposed on the company to $942 million. The court called Meta a public nuisance, likening its impact to pollution, and directed the funds be used to reduce future harm. Meta, owner of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Threads, has said it will appeal the decision.
New Mexico judge orders Meta a record $567 million penalty for failure to protect children on its platforms.
The decision, made this Thursday, builds on a previously imposed $375 million fine, bringing the total punitive charge against Meta to $942 million. Judge Bryan Biedscheid likened the social‑media giant to a factory producing advertising and content, while the “psychological harm and sexual exploitation” suffered by children represented a form of pollution it must remedy.
The judgment adds a “public nuisance” label to Meta, with the court calling the company's impact on minors comparable to air pollution. The $567 million must be deposited into a specialized fund aimed at reducing future harms to children.
Meta—owner of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and the new Threads platform—has not comment directly yet; it contacted the BBC to clarify its position. It also intends to appeal the earlier $375 million ruling.
The ruling serves as a warning to other tech firms about the growing legal and societal pressures surrounding content safety for young users.
