A court has handed down a very large financial penalty to one of the world's biggest technology companies. ABC News reports that Meta has been ordered to pay New Mexico 2.5 billion dollars for violating, according to a headline that is cut off in the version I saw. I have only seen that incomplete headline, so I do not know which law was violated, which court made the ruling or whether Meta will appeal.
The scale of the amount is significant. Settlements and judgments in state-level cases involving technology companies have grown as attorneys general have taken more aggressive actions on issues such as consumer protection, children's online safety and privacy. A 2.5 billion dollar order would be among the largest of its kind, though without the full report I cannot place it in context.
Companies usually have the right to appeal, and large judgments are often reduced or modified on appeal, so the final amount may differ. Meta has in the past defended its practices and said that it has invested in safety tools. I have not seen the company's response to this ruling and would encourage readers to look at statements from both the state and the company.
For ordinary users, a ruling like this could lead to changes in how platforms operate, particularly if the decision requires specific measures. It may also encourage other states and countries to pursue their own cases. Parents and users can review privacy and safety settings on social media apps and use available parental controls. Watch for the details of the ruling, Meta's appeal and any further actions by state attorneys general. In Malaysia, regulators are also looking at online safety, including the protection of children.
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