The company Meta, which manages the platforms Facebook and Instagram, was recently ordered by a court in New Mexico to pay a considerable amount, totaling nearly one billion dollars. This decision aims to fund programs intended to ensure the protection of minors on social media, in response to growing concerns about the harmful effects it may have on young users. This judgment follows a series of lawsuits questioning the company’s responsibility towards its young audience.
Details of the conviction
The Santa Fe court ruled that Meta failed in its duty to protect young users, resulting in a civil penalty of 375 million dollars in March. This amount is supplemented by the payment of around 567 million dollars dedicated to mental health and prevention programs for young people over the next five years. This judgment is seen as an essential response to parents’ concerns about the impacts of social media on their children.
Reactions and measures taken by Meta
Following this judgment, Meta immediately appealed the decision, stating through a spokesperson that it disagrees with the verdict. The company remains confident in its efforts to protect teens online. However, New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez hailed this decision as a historic victory for families and parents concerned about the negative consequences of social media on youth.
Measures imposed on platforms
As part of this conviction, the judge implemented a series of specific measures for minors accounts in the state of New Mexico. Among these restrictions, a limit of 90 hours per month of cumulative use of Facebook and Instagram for users under 18 years old has been established. Additionally, certain notifications will be suspended for minors between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM, as well as during school hours. “Likes” counts will also be hidden by default to reduce the social pressure that may weigh on young people.
Protection against inappropriate interactions
The judgment also introduced rules regarding interactions between minors and artificial intelligence chatbots. Romantic or sexualized exchanges between minors in the state and these chatbots are now prohibited. Furthermore, adults will not be able to send messages to minors who are not part of their contacts. These aim to create a safer environment for young users on Meta’s platforms.
Future perspectives and other lawsuits
Despite increasing judicial pressure, Meta is engaged in a legal battle to contest the decisions made against it. Other lawsuits are expected this year in the United States, including one that will pit Meta against several states, including California and Colorado, starting on August 12. The situation will therefore remain closely monitored, both for the company and for the protection of minors on social media.
To learn more about the impact of social media on teenagers, check out this article on the effects of these platforms on the well-being of young people: impact of social media. Other issues related to technology can also be explored, such as the controversy surrounding an author suspected of using artificial intelligence, discussed here: writing controversy. To discover the potential of artificial intelligence in Europe, read this article: potential of AI in Europe. Finally, don’t hesitate to consider the appropriate age to register your child on social media and how to support them: age for social media. Also, follow the transformations of AI and digital content: digital transformations in Europe.
