Meta verdict finds company concealed children’s sexual exploitation

WorldPolitics
25 Mar 2026 • 5:08 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • A New Mexico jury has found Meta liable for knowingly harming children's mental health and concealing child sexual exploitation on its social media platforms.
  • The verdict concluded that Meta violated the state's Unfair Practices Act by prioritizing profits over user safety and engaging in "unconscionable" trade practices.
  • Jurors determined there were thousands of violations, leading to a penalty of $375 million against the tech giant.
  • Meta has stated its disagreement with the verdict and announced its intention to appeal, asserting its efforts to maintain user safety.
  • This case is among the first to reach trial in a series of lawsuits across the US alleging that social media platforms contribute to a mental health crisis among young people.

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