Meta has been ordered to pay $567 million by a New Mexico judge in one of the largest financial penalties the technology company has faced over allegations involving the safety of young users on its social media platforms.
The ruling, issued by State District Court Judge Bryan Biedscheid in Santa Fe, adds to a $375 million penalty imposed earlier in the same case. A jury had previously concluded that Meta had misrepresented the safety of its platforms and failed to adequately address risks involving the exploitation of young people.
The latest $567 million payment will be directed toward a fund intended to address harm associated with Meta’s platforms. Among other uses, the money is expected to support treatment and services for young people affected by social media-related harm.
In his ruling, Judge Biedscheid pointed to evidence presented during the case concerning the impact of social media on young people in New Mexico. He said Meta’s platforms were a significant contributor to the state’s youth mental health concerns, while acknowledging that the company was not the only factor involved.
The financial penalty comes alongside new restrictions on how Meta’s platforms can operate for underage users in New Mexico.
Under the order, Facebook and Instagram will be prohibited from sending push notifications to accounts belonging to minors between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. The company must also restrict underage users to a maximum of 90 hours of platform use per month.
Meta has rejected the allegations and said it intends to challenge the decision through an appeal.
The company maintains that it has invested heavily in protecting users and addressing harmful content and individuals who misuse its services. Meta also argues that claims against the company do not accurately reflect its efforts to protect teenagers online.
The New Mexico case is part of a much larger legal battle facing Meta across the United States. Thousands of lawsuits have been brought by teenagers, school districts and state attorneys general, with allegations focusing on the potential harms associated with social media features such as endless scrolling and highly engaging recommendation systems.
The legal scrutiny has placed increasing pressure on major technology companies to demonstrate how they protect younger users while maintaining platforms designed to keep people engaged.
New Mexico was among the earliest states to bring such claims against Meta. The company now faces further courtroom challenges, including a case involving attorneys general from California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey that is scheduled to go to trial in Oakland later this month.
New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez welcomed the latest ruling, arguing that Meta had been aware of the risks its platforms posed to children while continuing to prioritise user engagement.
The case represents another significant development in the growing debate over the responsibilities of social media companies and the extent to which they should be held accountable for the effects their platforms may have on younger users.
For Meta, the decision adds another substantial financial and regulatory challenge to an already expanding series of legal disputes over youth safety, mental health and online exploitation.
