Meta Platforms faces a new trial in New Mexico that could force changes to Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. The case centers on claims that Meta designed its platforms to keep young users engaged while failing to protect children from online harm.
The trial begins Monday in Santa Fe before Judge Bryan Biedscheid. It follows a March jury verdict that found Meta violated New Mexico’s consumer protection law by misrepresenting safety features on Facebook and Instagram. The jury ordered Meta to pay $375 million in damages.
New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez brought the lawsuit against Meta in December 2023. His office claims Meta created products that harmed young users and exposed children to sexual exploitation risks on its platforms.
The new phase of the case will focus on whether Meta’s services qualify as a public nuisance under New Mexico law. If the judge agrees, the court could order Meta to change how its platforms operate for users in the state.
The state plans to seek changes such as age verification, safer recommendation systems, and limits on autoplay and infinite scrolling for minors. It also wants stronger action against adults who engage in or support child exploitation.
Besides platform changes, New Mexico may seek more money from Meta. Meta said in court filings that the state could ask for $3.7 billion to support a 15-year mental health plan for teens.
Meta has denied that its platforms created a public nuisance. The company said users choose to use its services and argued that it has not interfered with a public right under state law.
The company also questioned whether science supports the state’s claims. Meta said there is no clear proof that social media causes mental health problems among young users.
Meta warned that some proposed changes would be hard or impossible to carry out. In a recent court filing, the company said New Mexico’s demands could force it to build separate versions of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp for one state.
“Many of the requests are technologically or practically infeasible and would essentially force Meta to build entirely separate apps for use only in New Mexico,” Meta said in the filing.
Meta also raised the possibility of withdrawing Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp from New Mexico if the court orders broad changes. Such a move would be unusual in the United States.
The company said heavy remedies could leave it with no workable path other than blocking access in the state. However, Torrez rejected that warning and called it a ‘PR stunt.’
“We know Meta has the ability to make these changes,” Torrez said. He added that the company has changed its platforms before when it wanted to keep market access.
Meta defended its position before the trial. “The New Mexico Attorney General’s focus on a single platform is a misguided strategy that ignores the hundreds of other apps teens use daily,” a Meta spokesperson said.
The case comes as states, cities, and school districts pursue similar lawsuits against social media companies. More than 40 states and over 1,300 school districts have filed claims seeking damages and court-ordered reforms.
The New Mexico trial could shape how courts review public nuisance claims against technology platforms. However, the judge will decide the case under New Mexico law and based on the evidence presented in court.
Meta also warned investors about rising legal and regulatory pressure in the United States and Europe. The company said these disputes could affect its business and financial results.
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