Title: New Mexico Jury Finds Meta Guilty of Harming Children’s Mental Health and Safety In a landmark decision that signals a changing tide against tech companies, a jury in Santa Fe, New Mexico has determined that Meta (the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp) knowingly harmed children’s mental health and concealed what it knew about child sexual exploitation on its social media platforms. This verdict comes after nearly seven weeks of trial proceedings and as jurors in a federal court in California continue to deliberate over whether Meta and YouTube should be held liable for similar cases. The New Mexico jury sided with state prosecutors who argued that Meta prioritized profits over safety, violating parts of the state’s Unfair Practices Act. The jurors agreed with allegations that Meta made false or misleading statements and also found that Meta engaged in “unconscionable” trade practices that unfairly took advantage of children’s vulnerabilities and their lack of experience. The jury estimated thousands of violations, each counting separately towards a penalty of $375 million. While this is less than the $10 billion sought by prosecutors, it still represents a significant financial hit for Meta, which is valued at around $1.5 trillion. Despite the verdict, Meta’s stock price increased in after-hours trading following the announcement, indicating that shareholders are not overly concerned about this development. Juror Linda Payton explained that the jury reached a compromise on the number of teenagers affected by Meta’s platforms while opting for the maximum penalty per violation. She stated that each child was worth the maximum amount in terms of compensation. While Meta will not be forced to change its practices as a result of this verdict, it does set a precedent and may encourage further legal action against tech companies who prioritize profits over user safety. This decision marks an important moment in holding large corporations accountable for their actions and demonstrates that the government is willing to take steps towards regulating these powerful entities. As we continue to navigate the digital age, it’s crucial that we hold companies like Meta responsible for the impact they have on our mental health and safety, particularly when it comes to vulnerable populations such as children.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.npr.org/2026/03/24/g-s1-115019/new-mexico-meta-children-mental-health)
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