Meta, which operates Facebook and Instagram, was fined about 561.4 billion won by a U.S. court for harming children's mental health.
On the 24th, according to the Associated Press and Bloomberg, a jury in a New Mexico state trial court ordered Meta to pay $375 million (about 561.4 billion won), saying it negatively affected children's mental health and violated state consumer protection laws.
The jury agreed with the state prosecutor's argument that Meta recognized the risks of child sexual exploitation on its platforms and the adverse effects on mental health but failed to take sufficient action, prioritizing profit over safety.
The verdict came after a roughly six-week trial that reviewed testimony from Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg, as well as whistleblowers, teachers and psychologists.
Meta immediately pushed back, saying, "We have continually worked to keep people safe," and noted, "We disagree with the verdict and plan to appeal."
In the United States, lawsuits over the impact of social media on minors have recently been piling up, and this ruling is viewed as the first case recognizing Meta's responsibility on the issue.
Meanwhile, in California, a user is pursuing a lawsuit against Meta and YouTube, claiming harm from social media addiction.