SANTA FE, N.M. — Opening statements begin today in a pivotal trial that will scrutinize the safety of Meta’s social media platforms for children, amid allegations that the company has misrepresented the risks its services pose. New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez has brought the lawsuit against Meta, claiming the company has failed to protect young users from sexual exploitation.
This trial is historic as it is the first standalone case from state prosecutors in an ongoing series of lawsuits against major tech firms. It emphasizes the challenges of tackling the harms posed by explicit online content on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
The state asserts that Meta's algorithms and design prioritize profit over safety, effectively creating an online environment that preys on vulnerable children. Prosecutors plan to introduce evidence documenting how they posed as minors on social media and received sexual solicitations, highlighting a troubling response from Meta.
According to the lawsuit, “Meta knowingly exposes children to the twin dangers of sexual exploitation and mental health harm,” suggesting a deliberate profit-making motive at the expense of child safety.
In its defense, Meta has denied any wrongdoing, contending that the state’s investigation was ethically compromised, with accusations of mishandling sensitive data and using child images for their case. Meta emphasizes its ongoing efforts to implement safety features aimed at protecting younger users, arguing that the complexities of teen mental health cannot be simplistically blamed on social media.
As the trial unfolds, discussions around potential changes to social media regulations and corporate responsibility for child welfare will be critical, given over 40 state attorneys general have initiated lawsuits claiming that Meta and similar platforms are deliberately designed to addictive harm to children.
