Meta ordered to pay $567 million over youth mental health claims
A U.S. court said Meta must pay hundreds of millions of dollars, with most of the money directed toward treatment services for young people.
A U.S. judge has ordered Meta to pay $567 million in a case tied to claims about the effects of Instagram and Facebook on young users’ mental health. The ruling was issued late Thursday by Judge Bryan Biedscheid.
According to the court order, most of the money is meant to support treatment services for young people. The decision adds to legal pressure on the company over how its platforms affect children and teenagers.
The case centers on allegations that Meta’s social media products contributed to mental health harms among minors. The company has faced growing scrutiny from lawmakers, regulators and plaintiffs over youth safety online.
The ruling comes as courts and policymakers continue to examine the responsibilities of major technology companies for the impact of their platforms on children and adolescents.
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