What is Meta being accused of in the New Mexico trial?

Meta is accused of failing to protect minors from sexual exploitation on its apps, Facebook and Instagram, and violating New Mexico's Unfair Practices Act through its design features and algorithms.

When did the lawsuit against Meta begin in New Mexico?

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez filed his complaint against Meta in December 2023, and the trial began recently with opening arguments in Santa Fe.

What other legal challenges is Meta facing regarding its platforms?

Meta is also a defendant in a landmark social media addiction trial in California, alongside Snap, TikTok, and Google, concerning alleged negligent design and harm to minors.

Home / Crime and Justice / Meta Faces Trial Over Child Exploitation Claims

Meta Faces Trial Over Child Exploitation Claims

10 Feb

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Summary

Meta is on trial in New Mexico for allegedly failing to protect minors.
The state claims Meta violated the Unfair Practices Act with design choices.
This is the first state-led trial against Meta of its kind in the US.

Meta Faces Trial Over Child Exploitation Claims

Meta is currently on trial in New Mexico, facing accusations from Attorney General Raúl Torrez that the tech giant failed to adequately protect minors on Facebook and Instagram. The state asserts that Meta violated New Mexico's Unfair Practices Act by implementing design elements and algorithms that contributed to dangerous environments for underage users.

The proceedings, which began recently in Santa Fe, are significant as this is the first standalone, state-led trial of its nature against Meta in the U.S. The trial is expected to delve into technical arguments concerning algorithmic amplification and the protections afforded to social media platforms under Section 230.

While Meta has denied the allegations and stated its commitment to supporting young people, the trial promises to offer insights into the company's internal policies regarding underage users. Separately, a landmark social media addiction trial is also underway in California, where Meta, Snap, TikTok, and Google are defendants, with Snap and TikTok having already settled.