The order mandates sweeping operational changes for Meta within New Mexico, including a strict curfew on push notifications for users under 18 between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. Furthermore, the company must restrict youth usage to 90 hours per month and hide 'Like' counts unless a parent or guardian grants explicit approval. The court cited a public nuisance caused by the platform, noting that while other social media sites contribute to the youth mental health crisis, Meta’s influence remains uniquely significant.
New Mexico Court Hits Meta With $567 Million Penalty Over Youth Safety
A New Mexico judge has ordered Meta to pay an additional $567 million in fines, pushing the company’s total liability in a state youth safety case to nearly $1 billion. The ruling targets the platform’s role in fostering addiction and failing to protect minors from exploitation and mental health risks.
State Attorney General Raul Torrez characterized the judgment as a long-overdue reckoning for a company that prioritized engagement metrics over child safety. Conversely, Meta spokesperson Andy Stone dismissed the allegations as misrepresentations of their safety record and confirmed the company intends to appeal the decision. This ruling follows a similar defeat in Los Angeles earlier this year and arrives as Meta faces a growing wave of litigation, including a consolidated federal lawsuit backed by 33 states.
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