Meta Must Pay $375 Million Over Allegedly Enabling Child Exploitation

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1:00A New Mexico jury ruled Tuesday that Meta enabled child exploitation on its platforms and misled users about the platforms impact on children's mental health, a landmark decision that could set precedent as Meta battles similar allegations at the federal level. Meta will have to pay $375 million in damages for violations of state consumer protection laws. The jury started deliberations on Monday and found Meta specifically breached New Mexico's unfair practices act through alleged unethical business tactics that took advantage of children. Meta told multiple outlets it disagrees with the ruling and will appeal it. New Mexico attorney General Raúl Torres, who launched the lawsuit against Meta three years ago, said in a statement the ruling was quote, a historic victory for every child and family who has paid the price for Meta's choice to put profits over kids' safety. Meta is facing a spade of lawsuits accusing it of willfully contributing to a youth mental health crisis

2:03and designing its platforms to be highly addicted to children. The federal lawsuit that began against Meta in California last month involves a coalition of more than 30 states. During his testimony, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg addressed the company's difficulties in identifying underage users, stating to prosecutors quote, I always wish that we could have gotten there sooner. The tech giant is also facing state-level suits in places like Florida, Massachusetts, and Mississippi. The New Mexico Department of Justice will have its final claim against Meta her during a separate public nuisance case in a trial slated to start on May 4th when it will seek additional damages from Meta alongside changes to its platforms. Some of the changes sought by the department include age verification and quote, protecting minors from encrypted communications that shield bad actors according to the statement. For more on the story, check out the article at the link in the description.

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