Meta Ordered to Pay $942 Million and Restrict Teen Use in Landmark New Mexico Child Safety Case

Barchart·08/07/2026 17:56:09

A New Mexico judge ordered Meta Platforms ($META) to establish a $567 million fund addressing harms linked to Facebook and Instagram, adding to $375 million in civil penalties previously imposed after a jury found the company violated state consumer-protection laws. The ruling also requires new safeguards for minors, including usage limits and default-hidden like counts. Meta plans to appeal.

• The combined financial judgment totals $942 million, with the abatement fund supporting treatment, prevention and related programs.
• The case alleged Meta exposed young users to sexually explicit material and facilitated contact with predators.
• Meta faces thousands of additional child-safety lawsuits, including litigation from states, school districts and individuals.
• Meta reported $7.08 million in federal lobbying in Q1 and $5.99 million in Q2 2026. Disclosures covered protecting children, online and youth safety, youth social-media restrictions and Section 230 liability issues.
• Meta also lobbied Congress this year for liability protections from certain child-harm lawsuits during negotiations over the Kids Online Safety Act. Its lobbying disclosures are available here.

Relevant Companies

• Meta Platforms ($META) – Faces $942 million in ordered payments, mandated platform changes and additional child-safety litigation.

Editor’s Note: This is a developing story. This article may be updated as more details become available.

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