New Mexico Trial Puts Meta's Child Safety Practices Under Scrutiny

Tue Feb 10 2026 01:07:04 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A landmark trial in New Mexico will evaluate the impact of Meta's platforms on child safety and whether it misrepresented the dangers associated with its social media services.

As the trial commences, New Mexico's Attorney General argues that Meta has knowingly exposed children to dangers associated with social media addiction and sexual exploitation. The case is notable as it marks the first independent lawsuit against Meta among a growing tide of similar cases across the nation. Prosecutors have accused the company of failing to address harmful effects caused by its algorithms, sparking introspection on the safety features provided to young users.

SANTA FE, N.M. – The spotlight is on Meta as a trial kicks off in New Mexico, focused on the potential dangers of child sexual exploitation on social media, particularly whether Meta misrepresented the safety of its platforms.

This trial marks the first stand-alone lawsuit from state prosecutors amidst numerous lawsuits against social media giants concerning child safety issues. Attorney General Raúl Torrez initiated the legal action against Meta in 2023, following an undercover investigation where his team posed as children on various social media accounts.

Prosecutors plan to showcase evidence that Meta's algorithms encourage addictive behaviors, effectively creating an environment ripe for exploitation. They argue that Meta failed to disclose the inherent dangers of its platforms, violating state consumer protection laws and contributing to a public nuisance.

The lawsuit states, “Meta knowingly exposes children to the twin dangers of sexual exploitation and mental health harm,” suggesting that profit motives override safety concerns.

In response, Meta has denied any wrongdoing and claims that the case is based on selectively presented evidence. A spokesperson criticized the investigation as “ethically compromised” due to alleged mishandling of child-related data and photos.

Moreover, the case raises questions about the role of social media in exacerbating mental health issues among teenagers, with Meta highlighting its initiatives to enhance user safety and engagement settings designed for minors.

As jury selection commenced in Santa Fe, reactions revealed a mixed sentiment about Meta's influence, with some jurors expressing skepticism about the company's intentions. Opening statements have triggered discussions around explicit content and child safety measures that will be under scrutiny during the trial.

This landmark case arrives amidst a broader context of legal challenges faced by Meta and other social media companies, as over 40 state attorneys general have raised concerns regarding the design of platforms that may contribute to problematic usage among young individuals.

As the trial progresses, implications for Meta's operational practices, regulatory measures, and the future of social media safety remain pivotal points of interest for policymakers and communities alike.