Meta Faces $375 Million Penalty and Potential App Design Mandates
Meta was hit with a $375 million penalty by a Santa Fe jury for violating New Mexico’s consumer protection laws and enabling child sexual exploitation on its platforms. A bench trial in May will consider forcing design changes to Facebook and Instagram, including age verification, content limits and notification caps.
1. Jury Verdict Imposes $375 Million Penalty
On March 24, a Santa Fe jury determined that Meta violated New Mexico’s consumer protection statutes and facilitated child sexual exploitation, imposing a $375 million fine. This award marks a rare state-level punitive action targeting social media platform liability.
2. Bench Trial to Assess Public Nuisance Claims
In May, Judge Bryan Biedscheid will conduct a bench trial to examine allegations that Meta’s products create a public nuisance harming minors’ health and safety. The court could issue binding orders to modify features of Facebook, Instagram and related apps.
3. Potential Product Design Reforms Proposed
Attorney General Raúl Torrez has outlined measures including restricting content recommendations to minors, limiting notification frequency, curbing infinite scroll for underage users and tightening age-verification checks. The state may also seek appointment of an independent monitor to oversee compliance over multiple years.