Meta Hit With $375M Verdict Over Failure to Protect Children Online

A New Mexico jury has ordered Meta to pay $375 million in civil damages after finding the tech giant liable for failing to protect young users from child predators on its platforms. The jury deliberated for less than a day before ruling that Meta had violated state law by misleading users about app safety and enabling predators to target minors.

How the Case Was Built

The lawsuit was originally filed in 2023 by New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez following an undercover operation in which investigators created a fake profile of a 13-year-old girl. The profile was quickly targeted with unsolicited images and predatory messages, forming the foundation of the state’s argument that Meta had knowingly prioritized growth over user safety. The state sought over $2 billion in damages, though the jury settled on a smaller figure.

Zuckerberg’s Own Words Used Against Meta

Damning evidence included recorded statements from CEO Mark Zuckerberg acknowledging the company had been slow to introduce controls around minors, alongside internal documents revealing a 2015 goal to boost Instagram engagement by 12% over three years. The jury found this painted a clear picture of profit being placed above child protection.

Meta has firmly rejected the verdict, calling the attorney general’s arguments “sensationalist” and vowing to appeal. However, legal experts suggest this ruling — the first of its kind against Meta — could open the floodgates for similar lawsuits across other states, marking a significant turning point in the ongoing battle over social media accountability.