The New Mexico ruling piles fresh penalties on Facebook and Instagram’s parent company, marking a landmark moment for kids’ online safety.
A New Mexico judge has ordered Meta to pay $942 million over harm caused to children on its platforms. The ruling builds on a March jury verdict, which found the company liable for $375 million. Judge Bryan Biedscheid added a further $567 million abatement fund on Thursday—most of which is earmarked for treatment services.
Meta must also tighten age verification, whilst limiting under-18 users in the state to 90 hours per month across Facebook and Instagram. The company faces mounting litigation nationwide as families pursue similar claims.
Meta’s stock barely moved. Analysts note the fine represents a fraction of its 2025 profit, yet the precedent could reshape how tech giants approach child safety altogether.
