International
Court Orders Meta to Pay $375m Over Child Safety Misleading Claims
Court Orders Meta to Pay $375m Over Child Safety Misleading Claims
A court in New Mexico has ordered Meta Platforms Inc. to pay $375 million after a jury found the company misled users about the safety of its platforms for children, in a landmark ruling tied to allegations of widespread exposure of minors to harmful and explicit content.
The verdict, delivered after a seven-week trial, found Meta liable under New Mexico’s Unfair Practices Act for allegedly misrepresenting the safety of its platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, which the company owns alongside WhatsApp.
Jurors concluded that Meta’s platforms exposed children to sexually explicit material and facilitated contact with sexual predators, while the company publicly maintained that its services were safe for younger users. The total penalty was calculated based on thousands of violations, each carrying a statutory fine under state law.
New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez described the verdict as “historic,” noting that it represents the first successful state-level lawsuit against Meta over child safety concerns. He argued that Meta executives were aware of the risks but failed to act decisively, prioritising engagement metrics over user safety.
READ ALSO:
- Tinubu Govt Launches Unified System to Lift 50 Million Nigerians Out of Poverty
- Colleagues, Community Rally GoFundMe for Nigerian Nurse Killed in US Wrong-Way Crash
- Kwankwaso Set to Join ADC Wednesday as Defection Talks Intensify

Meta Platforms Inc
During the trial, prosecutors presented internal company documents and testimony from former employees, including whistleblower Arturo Béjar, who testified that internal research showed underage users were exposed to sexualized content on Instagram. He also alleged that Meta’s systems did not adequately prevent predatory behaviour targeting minors.
State evidence reportedly indicated that a significant percentage of users had encountered unwanted sexual content at various points, reinforcing claims that Meta’s content recommendation systems contributed to the problem.
The lawsuit, filed in 2023, accused Meta of using algorithm-driven recommendation systems that could steer young users toward harmful material, including explicit content and interactions linked to exploitation. Prosecutors argued that the company failed to implement sufficient safeguards, such as robust age verification and effective moderation tools.
Meta, led by chairman and CEO Mark Zuckerberg, denied wrongdoing and said it would appeal the ruling. A company spokesperson maintained that Meta has invested heavily in safety measures, including parental controls, content moderation systems, and features designed specifically for teens.
Meta pointed to updates such as “Teen Accounts” on Instagram, which allow younger users and their parents more control over privacy and content exposure. The company has also introduced tools aimed at detecting sensitive interactions and alerting parents when potentially harmful activity is identified.
The case has drawn wider attention amid a growing wave of litigation in the United States involving social media companies and their impact on children and teenagers. Meta is currently facing additional lawsuits, including cases alleging that its platforms are designed to be addictive and harmful to young users.
New Mexico’s lawsuit argued that Meta “steered” minors toward inappropriate content through its algorithms, while ignoring internal warnings and failing to adequately disclose risks to the public. The state said the company’s conduct violated consumer protection laws by creating a misleading impression of platform safety.
Legal experts say the ruling could set a precedent for similar cases across the country, as regulators and states increasingly scrutinize how major technology companies design and manage platforms used by minors.
Court Orders Meta to Pay $375m Over Child Safety Misleading Claims
![]()
International
US Offers $20m Reward, Relocation for Information on Iran’s Nuclear Programme
The United States has announced a reward of up to $20 million, alongside the possibility of relocation, for anyone who provides credible information about Iran’s nuclear programme, including its facilities, equipment and personnel.
The offer was announced by the US Department of State through its Rewards for Justice programme and publicised by the US Central Command (CENTCOM) on Friday, November 6, 2026.
According to the announcement, the reward covers information about Iran’s nuclear facilities, equipment and individuals associated with the programme, including members of the scientific community.
The US is also seeking intelligence about the movement of any of the facilities, equipment or personnel connected to the programme.
The Rewards for Justice programme said the offer could provide informants with up to $20 million and the possibility of relocation, although it did not specify the exact criteria for determining the amount payable for particular information.
The initiative is part of Washington’s efforts to obtain intelligence on Iran’s nuclear activities amid continuing tensions between the two countries over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.
In explaining the decision, the US State Department referred to concerns raised by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) about Iran’s uranium enrichment activities and its compliance with international nuclear safeguards.
The department said the IAEA reported in 2025 that Iran was enriching uranium to 60 per cent purity, a level significantly higher than the enrichment required for most civilian nuclear applications and relatively close to the 90 per cent generally associated with weapons-grade uranium.
READ ALSO:
- ‘Stop Blaming Us’, APC Tells Atiku, ADC Over Court Judgment
- Atiku to Tinubu: You Cannot Use Courts to Escape Nigerians’ Verdict
- University Funding Crisis: States Beg FG to Take Over Cash-Strapped Institutions
According to the US government, further enrichment of Iran’s existing stockpile could potentially produce enough material for several nuclear weapons.
Washington also accused Tehran of failing to meet its safeguards obligations to the IAEA, saying the agency had lost what it described as its “continuity of knowledge” regarding Iran’s production and inventory of important nuclear components, including centrifuges.
Centrifuges are machines used to enrich uranium by increasing the concentration of the uranium-235 isotope.
The United States maintains that Iran’s nuclear activities pose a security concern, although Tehran has consistently insisted that its nuclear programme is peaceful and intended for civilian purposes.
The Rewards for Justice programme was established in 1984 under the US government’s national security rewards initiative. It is administered by the State Department’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security and offers financial incentives for information that protects American lives and advances US national security interests.
The latest offer comes amid continuing diplomatic efforts to address the nuclear dispute and prevent further escalation of the conflict involving the United States and Iran.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that American military operations have severely damaged Iran’s nuclear capabilities. However, Washington continues to seek intelligence about the programme, including the location of facilities and the activities of individuals connected to it.
Trump said on Friday that Iran was interested in reaching an agreement with Washington, adding that discussions were ongoing.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has also indicated that his government remains interested in resolving the crisis through dialogue.
The latest $20 million offer signals that the United States is continuing to pursue intelligence on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure even as diplomatic efforts to address the dispute remain underway.
US Offers $20m Reward, Relocation for Information on Iran’s Nuclear Programme
![]()
International
Abdul El-Sayed, Seven Other Muslims Make History In US Midterm Elections
Abdul El-Sayed, Seven Other Muslims Make History In US Midterm Elections
Muslim Candidates Also Secure State Senate Seats In New York, Illinois And Georgia
WASHINGTON, United States — Muslim candidates have recorded significant electoral victories in the November 3, 2026, United States midterm elections, with Democrat Abdul El-Sayed making history as the first Muslim elected to the US Senate, while at least seven other Muslim candidates secured seats in the House of Representatives.
The electoral successes, which also saw Muslim politicians win state legislative positions across different parts of the country, represent a significant development in the political participation and representation of Muslim Americans.
El-Sayed’s victory in Michigan’s Senate election stands out as one of the most remarkable achievements of the elections, breaking a longstanding barrier for Muslim representation in the upper chamber of the US Congress.
The physician and former public health official defeated Republican challenger Mike Rogers in the contest, securing a seat in the Senate and making history as the first Muslim American elected to the institution.
His victory adds a new dimension to the growing influence of Muslim politicians in American public life, particularly at a time when debates over immigration, civil rights, healthcare and US foreign policy continue to shape the country’s political landscape.
Beyond El-Sayed’s historic achievement, Muslim candidates also recorded notable victories in the House of Representatives.
Among them is Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, who secured re-election in Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District.
Omar, one of the most prominent Muslim politicians in the United States, has remained a major voice in congressional debates involving immigration, healthcare, civil rights and American foreign policy.
Another incumbent, Rashida Tlaib, also retained her seat representing Michigan’s 12th Congressional District.
Tlaib, who has consistently advocated Palestinian rights and criticised US military support for Israel, remains one of the most recognisable Muslim lawmakers in the American legislature.
Democratic Congressman André Carson equally secured another term representing Indiana’s 7th Congressional District, extending his presence as one of the longest-serving Muslim members of the US Congress.
In California, Lateefah Simon won re-election in the 12th Congressional District, while Adam Hamawy secured victory in New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District.
Hamawy’s victory is particularly significant because he becomes the first Muslim to represent New Jersey in the US Congress.
Another notable winner was Darializa Avila Chevalier, who secured New York’s 13th Congressional District.
The congressional victories bring the number of Muslim candidates elected to the US House of Representatives to at least six, in addition to El-Sayed’s historic Senate victory.
Muslim women also recorded significant achievements in state legislative elections.
In New York, Aber Kawas won the State Senate’s 12th District, marking an important milestone for Palestinian-American political representation.
Similarly, Nabeela Syed secured victory in Illinois State Senate District 26, defeating Republican incumbent Darby Hills.
In Georgia, Palestinian-American politician Ruwa Romman also won the State Senate District 7 contest, further strengthening Muslim representation in the state’s political institutions.
The victories came amid a major political shift in Washington, with Democrats recording significant gains in the midterm elections, creating fresh political challenges for President Donald Trump’s Republican administration.
The elections were contested against the backdrop of intense debates over the economy, immigration, healthcare, civil liberties and America’s foreign policy, particularly its relationship with Israel and the Palestinian question.
Muslim candidates have increasingly become visible in these debates, with several advocating policies involving civil rights, humanitarian assistance, healthcare access, immigration and social justice.
Reports published after the elections indicated that at least 36 Muslim candidates had won or were leading in various federal, state and local contests, although some results remained subject to further counting and verification.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) had earlier tracked more than 160 Muslim-American candidates seeking elective positions across different levels of government.
The latest victories therefore represent another important chapter in the political participation of Muslim Americans, whose representation has continued to expand in America’s democratic institutions.
With El-Sayed’s historic Senate victory, the successes of Muslim congressional candidates and the emergence of other Muslim lawmakers in state legislatures, the 2026 midterm elections have delivered a significant boost to Muslim political representation in the United States.
However, unofficial election projections and results remain subject to formal certification by the relevant electoral authorities.
Abdul El-Sayed, Seven Other Muslims Make History In US Midterm Elections
![]()
International
Musk Breaks Silence After $458M Gamble Backfires in Historic Democratic Sweep
Musk Breaks Silence After $458M Gamble Backfires in Historic Democratic Sweep
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Billionaire technology entrepreneur Elon Musk has broken his silence following a stunning Democratic victory in the 2026 United States midterm elections, making sarcastic remarks after spending hundreds of millions of dollars to support Republican candidates who suffered major electoral setbacks.
Musk, the world’s richest man and founder of SpaceX and Tesla, reportedly committed approximately $458 million to political groups and candidates backing Republicans in the elections, making him the biggest individual political donor in the 2026 election cycle.
However, the massive financial investment failed to prevent Democrats from securing a sweeping victory, taking control of both chambers of Congress and recording significant gains in several traditionally Republican strongholds.
Reacting to the outcome on Tuesday night, Musk took to his social media platform, X, where he appeared to make light of the electoral setback.
“Data centers in space looking pretty appealing right now,” he wrote.
In another post, the billionaire added: “Guess my election-interfering space lasers didn’t work this time.”
The comments, which attracted considerable attention online, appeared to reflect his frustration with the outcome, although they were delivered in his characteristic sarcastic style.
Musk’s political investment had been directed towards strengthening Republican chances of retaining control of Congress, with substantial financial backing going to political action committees and groups supporting candidates across several states.
One of the most expensive political battles involved Texas, where Musk reportedly spent more than $200 million supporting Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton.
Despite the enormous financial backing, Democratic candidate James Talarico defeated Paxton, delivering a major blow to the Republican campaign and another setback for Musk’s political influence.
Other Republican-backed candidates also suffered significant defeats, reinforcing the scale of the Democratic resurgence.
The results have raised fresh questions about the influence of wealthy political donors in American elections, particularly whether massive campaign spending can overcome voter dissatisfaction with government policies and political leadership.
Meanwhile, Musk appeared to acknowledge the significance of the election outcome when he reacted with a brief “Interesting” to exit polling data suggesting that although Republican voters remained supportive of President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, the ongoing conflict involving Iran had become a major electoral liability for the party.
The election results suggest that economic concerns, rising living costs and dissatisfaction with the Trump administration, alongside the Iran conflict, played significant roles in shaping voters’ decisions.
The Democratic victories have also created a major political challenge for Trump, whose administration is expected to face increased congressional scrutiny during the remaining two years of his presidency.
With Democrats now controlling both chambers of Congress, the party will have greater power to obstruct Republican legislative proposals, scrutinise government activities and investigate policies of the Trump administration.
For Musk, the outcome represents a significant setback after his unprecedented financial involvement in the election cycle.
Although political donations do not automatically translate into electoral victories, the results have reignited debate over the limits of billionaire influence in American democracy.
His latest comments also suggest that the billionaire may be turning his attention back to his ambitious space technology projects as the political consequences of the Democratic victory begin to unfold.
Musk Breaks Silence After $458M Gamble Backfires in Historic Democratic Sweep
![]()
-
News3 days agoOmoda and Jaecoo Race Past 1.4m Sales, Expand Push into AI, Electrification
-
International3 days agoAbdul El-Sayed, Seven Other Muslims Make History In US Midterm Elections
-
Politics3 days agoAppeal Court Upholds INEC’s Recognition of Wike-Backed PDP Leadership, Dismisses Turaki Faction’s Suit
-
metro2 days ago₦50,000 Relief Fund: FG Reveals Criteria for Selecting Beneficiaries
-
News2 days agoSultan Honours MURIC Founder Ishaq Akintola for Decades of Religious Rights Advocacy
-
News1 day agoADC Heads to Appeal, Insists Mark, Aregbesola Remain Party Leaders Despite Court Ruling
-
Politics2 days agoTrouble in ADC as Momodu, South-West Leaders Raise Alarm Over Atiku Campaign
-
News2 days agoBREAKING: Court Sacks David Mark-Led ADC Exco, Nullifies Atiku’s 2027 Presidential Candidacy
