Judge Bryan Biedscheid said the social media giant is a “public nuisance” akin to air pollution and that it must put the money in a fund aimed at reducing future harms. It was the first time that a state had successfully sued Meta over child safety issues. In its latest financial results, the social media giant posted $61bn in revenue from April to June - up 28% on the same period a year ago. “But it’s an indication that we are moving to a stage where social media is going to be tackled around the world,” he said. In addition to being the largest fine Meta has received over child safety issues, the ruling also appears to be the first time that a social media company has been deemed a public nuisance.