The US-based company Meta has been ordered to pay $567 million (€492 million) by a court in New Mexico due to inadequate protection of minors on its online platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. The ruling, issued by Judge Bryan Biedscheid, holds Meta responsible for 'disrupting public order' and marks the first time this legal characterization has been applied to online platforms. The funds will be used over five years to support programs addressing mental health and prevention for young people, as well as implementing measures to limit social media consumption among minors. This penalty adds to a previous $375 million fine imposed by a jury in March for similar reasons. Meta has appealed that earlier decision. In Europe, Meta faces criticism for insufficient protections against child addiction, with the European Commission recently urging changes to its platforms to comply with EU digital laws.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the legal rulings against Meta in a neutral manner, focusing on the court decisions, the amounts involved, and the requirements for protective measures. It does not exhibit overtly biased language, one-sided sourcing, or omission of context. The framing remains balanced between






