Desk: The crisis for the world-renowned company Meta seems to be far from over. While Meta’s executives are being questioned in India regarding their algorithms and compliance with Indian laws, a New Mexico State Court in the US has ordered Meta to deposit $567 million (54 billion rupees) into a fund dedicated to the mental health of teenagers and to modify its platform’s functionality for young users. The court believes the company is responsible for harming children.
Hearing the case on Thursday in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Judge Brian Beadshaid sided with Democratic Attorney General Raul Torrez, ruling that Meta had created a public nuisance in New Mexico. Torrez had accused the social media company of creating products that are addictive to young users and failing to prevent child sexual exploitation on its platform.
This significant verdict comes five months after a New Mexico jury initially ordered Meta to pay $375 million in damages. The jury found that the company had flagrantly violated consumer protection laws by misrepresenting the safety of Facebook and Instagram to young users.
The case was being closely watched amid a growing number of lawsuits accusing social media companies of harming young users. While many of the lawsuits have been filed by children and families alleging personal harm, states, municipalities, and school districts have also filed lawsuits demanding broad changes within the industry.
More than 40 states and over 1,300 school districts in the US have filed lawsuits against social media companies alleging public nuisance. They are seeking compensation as well as court orders requiring major changes to products and practices.
Judge Beadshaid on Thursday ordered Meta to implement youth-protection measures. These measures include monthly controls on teens’ use of Facebook and Instagram, notification restrictions, stricter controls on adult interactions with minors, safeguards for AI chatbots, and enhanced review of reports of child sexual abuse. The order will remain in effect for five years.