Pay Up Zuck, New Mexico Jury Finds Meta Liable for Misleading Users and Endangering Children

New Mexico –

A New Mexico jury has found Meta Platforms, Inc. liable for misleading consumers about the safety of its platforms and for endangering children, marking the first time a U.S. state has prevailed at trial against a major technology company on such claims.

A Santa Fe based jury ordered Meta to pay $5,000 per violation—the maximum allowed under state law—for a total of $375 million in civil penalties. The verdict concluded that the company violated New Mexico’s Unfair Practices Act on both counts brought by the state.

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez called the decision a major victory for families, saying the jury found that Meta prioritized profits over child safety despite internal warnings about potential harm. Attorney General Torrez said “The jury’s verdict is a historic victory for every child and family who has paid the price for Meta’s choice to put profits over kids’ safety.” AG Torrez continued “Meta executives knew their products harmed children, disregarded warnings from their own employees, and lied to the public about what they knew. Today the jury joined families, educators, and child safety experts in saying enough is enough.”
 
“New Mexico is proud to be the first state to hold Meta accountable in court for misleading parents, enabling child exploitation, and harming kids. In the next phase of this legal proceeding, we will seek additional financial penalties and court-mandated changes to Meta’s platforms that offer stronger protections for children.
 
“The substantial damages the jury ordered Meta to pay should send a clear message to big tech executives that no company is beyond the reach of the law. Policymakers and law enforcement officials across the country can help make this verdict a turning point in the fight for children’s safety. This is a watershed moment for every parent concerned about what could happen to their kids when they go online – and this victory belongs to them.”

The ruling follows more than two years of litigation by the New Mexico Department of Justice. The case stemmed from a 2023 investigation into risks faced by minors on Meta’s platforms, including sexual exploitation and online solicitation. During the trial, attorneys presented internal company documents and testimony from former employees, law enforcement officials and educators.

According to the evidence, Meta was repeatedly warned by staff and outside experts, including law enforcement, about dangers to children but failed to take adequate action. Witnesses also testified that certain platform features made it easier for pedophiles and predators to target minors and contributed to harmful experiences, including exposure to content involving eating disorders and self-harm.

A remaining claim in the case will be addressed in a bench trial scheduled to begin May 4. In that proceeding, the state plans to argue that Meta’s practices constitute a public nuisance and will seek further damages as well as mandated changes, such as stronger age verification measures and increased protections for minors.