A New Mexico court has ordered Meta, the owner of Instagram and Facebook, to pay $567 million over harm to youths, in the second phase of a landmark trial in which the company also lost an earlier ruling in March.
Key facts
- A New Mexico court ordered Meta to pay $567 million.
- The ruling relates to harm to young people.
- It came in the second phase of a landmark trial.
- Meta, which owns Instagram and Facebook, also lost in March.
A court in New Mexico has ordered Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, to pay $567 million over harm to young people, according to Al Jazeera.
The ruling came in the second phase of what Al Jazeera described as a landmark trial. The case has proceeded in stages, with the latest decision building on an earlier setback for the company.
Meta had already lost in an earlier phase of the proceedings in March, according to the report. The company owns two of the world’s most widely used social media platforms, Instagram and Facebook.
The scale of the ordered payment underscores the legal pressure facing the social media company as the case continues to develop. The available details from the source are limited to the outcome of this phase of the trial.
Al Jazeera characterised the proceedings as a landmark trial, signalling the potential significance of the case for how courts assess claims of harm to young people linked to social media platforms.
Why it matters
The ruling adds to mounting legal scrutiny of major social media companies over their effects on young users. A payment of $567 million signals that courts may hold platforms financially accountable for alleged harm to youths.
Frequently asked questions
How much was Meta ordered to pay?
According to Al Jazeera, a New Mexico court ordered Meta to pay $567 million.
What stage is the case at?
The ruling came in the second phase of the trial, and Meta had also lost in an earlier phase in March, according to Al Jazeera.
Which platforms does Meta own?
Meta owns Instagram and Facebook, according to the report.