Meta has been ordered to pay a total of $942 million after a New Mexico court found the company liable for failing to adequately protect children on its platforms.
A jury in March approved a $375 million fine against Meta. On Thursday, New Mexico state Judge Bryan Biedscheid ordered the company to pay an additional $567 million and introduce new safeguards for younger users.
Most of the additional payment will go into an abatement fund, including $420 million designated for treatment services.
The ruling also requires Meta to strengthen age verification in New Mexico and introduce tighter restrictions for users under 18. Minors will be limited to a combined 90 hours per month across Facebook and Instagram, while most push notifications will be disabled overnight and during school hours. Like counts will also be hidden by default unless a parent or guardian allows them.
New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez described the decision as a major step toward holding social media companies accountable for how their platforms affect children. He said the ruling could provide a framework for other governments pursuing similar action.
Meta disagrees with the decision and plans to appeal. The company said it has invested heavily in protecting younger users and will continue defending itself against claims it says misrepresent its safety record.