Meta Faces $375 Million Penalty in New Mexico Child Safety Lawsuit

A New Mexico jury has found Meta Platforms, Inc. Liable for violating state consumer protection laws related to the safety of children on its social media platforms – Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. The verdict, reached on March 24, 2026, requires Meta to pay $375 million in civil penalties, the maximum allowed under New Mexico law. This marks the first time a state has successfully prevailed at trial against a major tech company for harming young people.

Jury Findings: Prioritizing Profit Over Child Safety

The jury determined that Meta misled consumers about the dangers present on its platforms, specifically concerning the sexual exploitation of children and the impact on children’s mental health. Evidence presented during the six-week trial indicated that Meta concealed knowledge of these risks and actively encouraged practices that facilitated harm to underage users. The state’s Attorney General, Raúl Torrez, accused Meta of failing to adequately safeguard children from predators, leading to instances of real-world abuse and human trafficking.

Jurors agreed that Meta employed “unconscionable” business practices that exploited the vulnerability and inexperience of children, violating the New Mexico Unfair Practices Act and Consumer Protection Act. These laws prohibit unfair or misleading business practices in trade and services.

Meta Plans to Appeal the Verdict

A Meta spokesperson stated the company respectfully disagrees with the verdict and intends to appeal. The spokesperson acknowledged the challenges of identifying and removing harmful content and malicious actors from its platforms. CNBC reported on Meta’s statement following the jury’s decision.

Broader Legal Challenges Facing Meta

This New Mexico case is not isolated. Meta currently faces numerous lawsuits alleging that its platforms are intentionally designed to be addictive, contributing to a nationwide mental health crisis among young people. NBC News details a high-profile case in Los Angeles where a plaintiff accuses Meta of intentionally creating addictive services, leading to depression, anxiety, and body image issues.

The Los Angeles lawsuit, led by a 20-year-old plaintiff, alleges that Meta’s platforms are deliberately engineered to foster addiction. Meta has denied responsibility in this case.

Previous Scrutiny and Whistleblower Testimony

Meta has faced increasing scrutiny in recent years regarding its handling of child and teen safety. This intensified following whistleblower testimony before Congress in 2021, which alleged the company was aware of the potential harm its products could cause but chose not to act. Bloomberg Law highlights this history of concern.

Key Takeaways

• A New Mexico jury ordered Meta to pay $375 million for violating state consumer protection laws.
• The verdict centers on allegations that Meta prioritized profits over the safety of children on its platforms.
• Meta plans to appeal the decision.
• The company faces numerous other lawsuits related to the addictive nature of its platforms and their impact on youth mental health.