New Mexico Trial to Decide if Meta Misled Users on Child Safety Risks
Closing arguments began on Monday in Santa Fe County in a high-profile case against Meta. The trial centers on allegations the company misled users about how its platforms affect children.
Case background
Attorney General Raúl Torrez filed the lawsuit in 2023. It accuses Meta of violating New Mexico consumer protection law and of prioritizing growth over safety.
The company named in the suit owns Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp. Prosecutors argue a wide set of product features and algorithms harmed young users.
Evidence and testimony
The trial followed six weeks of testimony. Witnesses included teachers, psychiatrists, state investigators, company officials and former employees.
State investigators created accounts posing as children. They used those accounts to document online solicitations and to test Meta’s responses.
Prosecutors’ claims
Lead prosecutor Linda Singer urged jurors to find Meta accountable. She said internal company research showed teens facing problematic use.
Singer asked for civil penalties above $2 billion. Her calculation used the law’s maximum $5,000 fine per violation and an estimated 208,700 monthly underage users in New Mexico.
Meta’s defense
Meta disputes the allegations. Company lawyers say it builds protections and removes harmful material, though some content can slip through.
Defense attorneys also accused prosecutors of selecting evidence that fits their narrative. Meta executives told the court the company is improving safety measures continually.
Legal stakes and wider impact
The jury must determine whether Meta violated the state’s Unfair Practices Act on two counts. A finding of willfulness could trigger penalties up to $5,000 per violation.
The trial will move to a second phase. A judge would then decide whether Meta created a public nuisance and must pay to fund remedies.
Prosecutors stress they are not suing over individual posts. They say the legal theory targets how algorithms amplify and distribute harmful material.
National context
This New Mexico case is among the first of many lawsuits to reach trial. A separate California trial is also in deliberations over similar claims against social platforms.
Observers say the New Mexico Trial to Decide if Meta Misled Users on Child Safety Risks could influence thousands of pending cases nationwide.
The jury will now deliberate. Its decision could reshape how courts treat platform design, disclosures and corporate responsibility toward children.
