Meta told to pay $375m for misleading users over child safety

The owner of Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp has been found liable by a court in New Mexico.

Meta Ordered to Pay $375 Million Over Child Safety Violations

In one of the company’s first major losses, New Mexico jurors found that it had misled consumers about the safety of its platforms, enabling sexual exploitation of young users.

By Cecilia Kang and Eli Tan

New Mexico jury says Meta harms children's mental health and safety, violating state law

The jury agreed that Meta engaged in "unconscionable" trade practices that unfairly took advantage of the vulnerabilities of and inexperience of children. Jurors found there were thousands of violations, each counting separately toward a penalty of $375 million.

By The Associated Press

Jury finds Meta liable in case over child sexual exploitation on its platforms - CNN

Jury finds Meta liable in case over child sexual exploitation on its platforms  CNN

Landmark verdict in New Mexico finds Meta violated state child safety laws

A New Mexico jury found Tuesday that social media conglomerate Meta is harmful to children's mental health and in violation of state consumer protection law.

Jury reaches verdict in major Meta child safety trial in New Mexico

Jury reaches a verdict in New Mexico trial in which the state's attorney general alleged that Meta failed to safeguard its family of apps from child predators.

Meta ordered to pay US$375 million over child exploitation and user safety claims

A New Mexico jury found on Tuesday that social media conglomerate Meta is harmful to children’s mental health and in violation of state consumer protection law. The landmark decision comes after a nearly seven-week trial. Jurors sided with state prosecutors who argued that Meta – which owns Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp – prioritised profits over safety. The jury determined Meta violated parts of the state’s Unfair Practices Act on accusations the company hid what it knew about the dangers...

By Associated Press

Meta ordered to pay $375M over lawsuit accusing the company of failing to protect kids from sexual exploitation

Lawyers for the plaintiff watch on a laptop as a recording of Meta Founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg's deposition is played for the jurors on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, in Santa Fe, N.M. Jim Weber/Santa Fe New Mexican via AP, Pool A New Mexico jury found Meta liable for failing to protect kids from sexual exploitation. The jury approved a $375 million fine for Meta. Meta said it disagrees with the verdict and will be filing appeals. It's shaping up to be a big month of verdicts for Meta. While...

Jury orders Meta to pay $375 million in New Mexico lawsuit over child sexual exploitation, user safety

Meta found guilty by N.M. jury in child safety trial; receives $375M penalty