Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Thread, has been sentenced to pay $375 million after a jury determined that it violated consumer protection rules by misrepresenting users about the safety of its platforms and facilitating child sexual exploitation.
The verdict, issued on Tuesday in New Mexico, is the first time a jury has ruled against the firm on such accusations.
The state’s attorney general filed the lawsuit, accusing Meta of misrepresenting Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp as safe for children while failing to appropriately manage hazardous content and exploitation threats.
The jury found the company guilty of engaging in unfair and deceptive trade practices under New Mexico’s consumer protection law.
The ruling underscores growing scrutiny of Big Tech over user safety, particularly the protection of children on social media platforms.
Raúl Torrez, New Mexico Attorney General, described the verdict as a landmark decision against corporate negligence.
“This is a historic victory for every child and family who has paid the price for Meta’s choice to put profits over kids’ safety.”
He added that the scale of the penalty should serve as a warning to technology firms.
“The substantial damages the jury ordered Meta to pay should send a clear message to big tech executives that no company is beyond the reach of the law.”
In response, Meta said it disagreed with the outcome and plans to challenge the decision.
“We respectfully disagree with the verdict and will appeal. We work hard to keep people safe on our platforms and are clear about the challenges of identifying and removing bad actors or harmful content,” the company said.
Credit; NairaMetrics
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