A New Mexico jury has concluded that Meta intentionally harmed children’s mental well-being and concealed information about child sexual exploitation on its social media platforms. The decision, reached after a lengthy trial, favored state prosecutors who argued that Meta, the parent company of Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, prioritized financial gains over user safety.
The jury found that Meta breached the state’s Unfair Practices Act by concealing knowledge of the risks of child sexual exploitation and its impact on children’s mental health. They also determined that Meta engaged in unfair trade practices that exploited children’s vulnerabilities and lack of experience. The jury identified numerous violations, with each one contributing to a total penalty of $375 million US.
In response to the verdict, a Meta spokesperson stated that they disagreed with the decision and planned to appeal, emphasizing their efforts to enhance safety on their platforms and address challenges related to identifying and removing harmful content and users.
The case in New Mexico is part of a broader legal trend involving social media companies and their effects on minors. This trial is among the first of many lawsuits targeting Meta, coinciding with growing concerns from educators and lawmakers regarding smartphone usage in schools.
In a separate court case in California, a jury is deliberating whether Meta and YouTube should be held accountable for harm caused to children through their platforms. Additionally, over 40 state attorneys general have filed lawsuits against Meta, alleging that its design features on Instagram and Facebook contribute to a mental health crisis among young individuals.
The lawsuit in New Mexico, initiated by Attorney General Raul Torrez in 2023, highlighted Meta’s alleged failure to disclose the risks of social media addiction. While Meta denies the existence of social media addiction, its executives acknowledged concerns about “problematic use” and expressed a desire for users to have a positive experience on their platforms.
The trial in New Mexico shed light on internal communications within Meta related to child safety, featuring testimonies from company executives, whistleblower accounts, mental health experts, and educators. These testimonies revealed the challenges faced by schools due to social media disruptions, including incidents of sextortion targeting minors.
The jury’s decision considered whether Meta’s leadership, including CEO Mark Zuckerberg and other key figures, misled social media users regarding platform safety. During deliberations, jurors reviewed allegations that Meta failed to disclose critical information about enforcing age restrictions, the prevalence of harmful content related to teen suicide, and the role of algorithms in promoting sensational or harmful material.
The trial in New Mexico may proceed to a second phase, where the court will determine if Meta’s actions constitute a public nuisance and potential remedies. This case underscores ongoing debates surrounding tech companies’ responsibility for content shared on their platforms and the broader implications for children’s well-being.