Meta is facing a massive legal reckoning after a New Mexico judge ruled that the tech giant’s platforms constitute a 'public nuisance' due to their failure to protect children from sexual exploitation and psychological harm.
Judge Bryan Biedscheid ordered the company to pay an additional $567 million, on top of $375 million in previous fines, totaling $942 million in penalties. The court likened Meta’s business model to a polluting factory, where the 'product'—advertising and content—results in the exploitation of minors, a harm the judge ruled must be abated.
The ruling follows findings that Meta’s recommendation algorithms effectively steered young users toward harmful content and predators. Beyond the staggering financial penalty, the court has mandated strict operational changes, including a ban on adults messaging minors, the elimination of 'like' counts for users under 18, and enforced usage limits.
Meta, which continues to rake in tens of billions in revenue, has vowed to appeal the decision, claiming it remains confident in its record of protecting teens.
This ruling represents a significant escalation in the legal pressure mounting against Big Tech, as dozens of states continue to pursue litigation against the company for its role in the degradation of online safety for children.
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