The numbers
In a landmark ruling on March 24, 2026, a New Mexico jury found Meta and Google liable for intentionally creating addictive platforms that harm young users. Meta has been ordered to pay $375 million in civil penalties, a significant financial blow that underscores the growing scrutiny of tech giants and their impact on mental health.
The lawsuit, initiated by the New Mexico attorney general’s office in December 2023, highlighted the dangers associated with social media addiction, including psychological issues like body dysmorphia and depression. “The jury’s verdict is a historic victory for every child and family who has paid the price for Meta’s choice to put profits over kids’ safety,” stated New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez.
The jury’s decision came after a trial that lasted nearly seven weeks, with deliberations taking just about one day. They found that Meta had disregarded warnings from its own employees regarding the risks posed by its platforms. Furthermore, the ruling revealed that Meta’s decision to encrypt Facebook Messenger obstructed access to crucial evidence of crimes, including child sexual exploitation.
Meta was held responsible for 70% of a collective $3 million fine imposed on both Meta and Google, with Google bearing the remaining 30%. The jury ordered Meta to pay the maximum penalty of $5,000 per violation under New Mexico’s consumer protection laws, reflecting the severity of the findings against the company.
Meta executives testified during the trial that the harms to children were considered inevitable due to the vast user bases of their platforms. This acknowledgment has raised questions about the ethical responsibilities of tech companies in safeguarding their users, particularly minors.
In response to the verdict, a Meta spokesperson stated, “We respectfully disagree with the verdict and are evaluating our legal options.” This indicates that the tech giant plans to appeal the ruling regarding the hefty $375 million fine, suggesting that the legal battle is far from over.
As the implications of this ruling unfold, observers are keenly watching how it may influence future regulations and legal actions against other tech companies. The sentiment surrounding Big Tech appears to be shifting, with Sacha Haworth, a prominent advocate, declaring, “The era of Big Tech invincibility is over.” This sentiment reflects a growing public concern over the invasiveness of social media, as noted by community members like John W Day, who remarked on the pervasive fear and resentment towards these platforms.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the long-term impact of this ruling on Meta and the broader tech industry, but it undoubtedly marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue about the responsibilities of social media companies in protecting their users.