Meta Ordered to Pay $375 Million for Child Exploitation Violations in New Mexico

A New Mexico jury has ruled that Meta must pay $375 million in civil damages after determining the company violated state consumer protection laws regarding child safety on its platforms. The trial, initiated by the state attorney general in 2023, revealed Meta's failure to safeguard children from predators on Facebook and Instagram. The jury found that Meta willfully violated the state's unfair practices act. This ruling is expected to impact Meta's operations, as the state seeks further changes to protect minors and address alleged harms.