Trending Now - New Mexico Jury Weighs Meta's Responsibility for Child Safety Risks
WHO:
Meta, social media conglomerate that owns Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp
Raúl Torrez, New Mexico Attorney General
Jurors from Santa Fe County, New Mexico
Witnesses including teachers, psychiatric experts, state investigators, top Meta officials, and whistleblowers
WHAT:
The trial is among the first to reach court in a wave of litigation involving social media platforms and their impacts on children.
Prosecutors stated that a finding of willful violations could lead to fines totaling billions of dollars, given the number of Meta users in New Mexico.
Closing arguments are scheduled for March 27th, 2026, in a trial where Meta is accused of misleading users about children's safety on its platforms
The trial has included six weeks of testimony from various witnesses
New Mexico prosecutors accuse Meta of prioritizing profits over safety, violating state consumer protection laws
Meta faces three counts under the state’s Unfair Practices Act, including “unconscionable” trade practices
Possible fines of up to $5,000 per violation could total billions of dollars due to the number of Meta users in New Mexico
A second phase of the trial will determine if Meta created a public nuisance and should fund programs to address alleged harms to children
WHERE:
Santa Fe, New Mexico, in New Mexico state court
WHEN:
Jury deliberations began on March 27th, 2026, after both sides delivered closing arguments.
Trial began in 2026, with closing arguments scheduled for March 27th, 2026
Raúl Torrez filed the lawsuit in 2023
WHY:
Prosecutors allege that Meta created a “breeding ground” for predators targeting children for sexual exploitation and failed to disclose harmful effects
Concerns raised about the safety of complex algorithms and messaging features on Meta platforms
HOW:
Meta attorneys claimed that the company is honest with users about its efforts to enforce bans on child sexual abuse material and accused prosecutors of cherry-picking evidence.
State investigators created social media accounts posing as children to document online sexual solicitations and Meta's responses
Meta claims to incorporate protections for teenagers and acknowledges that some harmful content may bypass safety measures
Meta executives stated that the company continuously improves safety and addresses compulsive social media use without infringing on free speech
(UPDATED March 24, 2026 01:43 UTC)
Jury deliberations began today after both sides delivered their closing arguments in a significant trial concerning the impacts of social media on children. Prosecutors have warned that if the jury finds willful violations, Meta could face fines totaling billions of dollars, especially considering the large number of users in New Mexico. In response, Meta's attorneys argued that the company is transparent about its efforts to combat child sexual abuse material and accused the prosecution of selectively presenting evidence.
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(UPDATED March 23, 2026 17:51 UTC)
In a high-profile trial set to conclude on March 27, 2026, Meta is facing accusations from New Mexico prosecutors, led by Attorney General Raúl Torrez, of misleading users about children's safety on its platforms, including Instagram and Facebook. Over the past six weeks, jurors in Santa Fe County have heard testimony from a range of witnesses, including teachers and Meta officials, as prosecutors argue that the company prioritized profits over safety, potentially leading to billions in fines under the state's Unfair Practices Act. The trial will also explore whether Meta created a public nuisance that necessitates funding for programs aimed at addressing the alleged harms to children.