Prince Harry has supported a major US court decision against Meta. He says stronger online protections are needed to keep children and teenagers safe on social media platforms.
Meta Faces $567 Million Child Safety Penalty
A New Mexico court has ordered Meta to pay $567 million toward a teen mental health fund after concerns over child safety.
Additionally, the Santa Fe court has instructed Meta to improve safety measures on Facebook and Instagram.
The case began after New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez accused Meta of creating features that encouraged excessive social media use among young users.
Furthermore, officials raised concerns about online exploitation risks and the effects of social media on children’s mental health.
Prince Harry Calls for Greater Responsibility
Following the ruling, Prince Harry praised the decision and described it as an important step toward accountability.
He also urged technology companies to place children’s safety above engagement numbers and business goals.
Moreover, Harry said online harm is not simply an unavoidable issue. Instead, he believes companies must take responsibility for decisions made during platform development.
Duke Continues Online Safety Campaign
For years, Prince Harry has highlighted the impact of social media on young people.
In addition, he has called on technology companies to create stronger safety systems and healthier digital spaces.
Meanwhile, the Duke said the latest legal action shows that major technology firms can face consequences for their choices.
Pressure Builds on Big Tech Companies
The latest ruling comes after an earlier stage of the case, where a New Mexico jury ordered Meta to pay $375 million.
At that time, the jury found that Meta had misrepresented the safety of Facebook and Instagram for younger users.
As a result, technology companies are facing growing pressure to improve child protection policies.
Ultimately, Prince Harry believes the decision sends a strong message that protecting children must remain the highest priority in today’s digital world.