A US jury in New Mexico has found Meta guilty of misleading consumers over safety on its social media platforms, particularly affecting children. The company must pay a $375 million penalty after a nearly seven-week trial. Meta disputes the verdict and plans to appeal.

A jury in the US state of New Mexico determined on March 25, that Meta misled consumers over safety and enabled harm against users especially children, hiding what it knew about child sexual exploitation on its social media platforms. The company which owns WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook must pay a penalty of $375 million. The landmark decision comes after a nearly seven-week trial. A Meta spokesperson said the company disagrees with the verdict and will appeal.