In brief
A judge in New Mexico has fined Meta $567 million, marking the largest fine in a child‑safety lawsuit against a social media giant. The ruling, in addition to an earlier $375 million penalty, calls Meta a public nuisance and requires the money to be placed in a fund dedicated to reducing harm to children. Meta has said it will appeal the decision. The verdict underscores ongoing scrutiny of Meta’s platforms—Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Threads—for their impact on minors.
A US judge in New Mexico on Thursday ordered Meta to pay another $567 million (about £421 million), marking the biggest ruling yet in a child‑safety lawsuit against the social‑media giant.
Judge Bryan Biedscheid said Meta is a "public nuisance" akin to air pollution, and it must put the money into a fund aimed at reducing future harms to children.
The ruling follows an earlier $375 million fine in the same case. Meta has said it intends to appeal the judgment.
Meta owns and operates Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and the newer Threads platform, and has faced a growing number of lawsuits over child safety. The company spoke to the BBC for comment on the latest decision.
