Meta Fined $567 Million Over Child Safety in US

New Mexico: Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, has suffered a major legal setback in the United States after a New Mexico court ordered the technology giant to pay a $567 million fine, equivalent to around Rs 5,390 crore.

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The company was held responsible for allegedly failing to adequately protect minors from risks associated with its social media platforms and for ignoring safety measures designed to protect children’s mental health.

In the ruling, Judge Brian Biedscheid stated that Meta prioritised its profits over the safety of children, allegedly causing serious harm to their mental well-being.

The court has also directed that a significant portion of the penalty be used to support treatment and services for young people affected by the alleged harm. The remaining amount will reportedly be spent over the next five years on public awareness, prevention programmes, screening services and other child-safety initiatives.

The ruling marks a significant development in the growing legal scrutiny faced by major technology companies over the impact of social media on children and teenagers.

According to the report, this is the first time a US state has taken such stringent action against a major technology company in a case involving allegations related to children’s online safety and mental health.

Translated Quotes / Main Points (As Is)

“Meta prioritised its own profits over the safety of children.”

“The company’s actions had a serious impact on the mental health of young people.”

“A major portion of the penalty will be used for treatment of young people.”

“The remaining amount will be spent over the next five years on awareness, prevention and screening services.”

“This is the first such strict action by a US state against a major technology company.”

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