A judge has ordered Meta to pay $567 million to address the mental health and safety of children on its platforms, according to a report by WQAD. The ruling marks one of the largest legal actions against a major social media company over harms to young users.
NBC News also reported on the ruling, describing it as ordering Meta to pay hundreds of millions over kids' mental health. The case reflects growing legal pressure on technology companies over the effects their platforms have on minors.
Meta operates Facebook and Instagram, two of the most widely used social media platforms in the world. Both have faced criticism and legal scrutiny for years over how their algorithms and design choices affect young people.
The $567 million figure places this ruling among the most substantial financial consequences a social media company has faced specifically on the issue of children's mental health. The full scope of how the funds will be used was not immediately detailed in available reports.
The case adds to a broader national conversation about the responsibility of social media platforms toward younger users. Courts, legislators, and advocacy groups have increasingly pushed tech companies to take stronger action to protect children online.
No immediate response from Meta.