A jury in the US state of New Mexico has certified that Facebook parent company Meta committed serious violations of consumer protection law when dealing with children on its social media platforms.
03/25/2026, 03:5603/25/2026, 03:56
The jury found thousands of violations proven, which together amounted to a fine of 375 million euros. After a seven-week trial, the jury based their guilty verdict on Tuesday on the grounds that the company had put profits above the welfare of children. In addition to Facebook, Meta also includes Instagram and WhatsApp.
Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg.Image: keystone
The jury agreed with the prosecution that Meta concealed what the company knew about the dangers of sexual exploitation of children on its platforms and its impact on children’s mental health. They also agreed with allegations that Meta made false or misleading statements. The company used “unconscionable” business practices that unfairly exploited the vulnerability and inexperience of children.
Meta thereby violated parts of the “Unfair Practices Act”. The New Mexico Consumer Protection Act specifically prohibits unfair or deceptive business practices in trade and services. (dpa) (aargauerzeitung.ch)