Meta ordered to pay $567 million over child safety concerns

A New Mexico District Court has ordered Meta to pay $567 million into a fund dedicated to treating mental health damage in children and adolescents. This ruling follows a previous $375 million fine imposed in March for misleading the public regarding minor safety on its platforms.

In addition to the financial penalty, Judge Bryan Biedscheid established specific operational rules for Meta’s platforms. The company is prohibited from sending notifications to users under 18 during late-night hours (10 p.m. to 7 a.m.) and school hours (8 a.m. to 3 p.m.). The ruling also mandates that platforms ensure minors do not exceed 90 hours of online activity per month, verify accounts to prevent children under 13 from using the services, and restrict the sending or receiving of nude content. Furthermore, reports of child sexual exploitation must undergo human review within 48 hours.