Meta faces trial in New Mexico over child safety and mental health

Meta platforms are again under scrutiny for child safety concerns as a significant trial begins in New Mexico this Monday.

The proceedings will test claims that Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp have harmed the mental health of young users.

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez, a Democrat, filed the lawsuit accusing the social media giant of designing its platforms to addict minors and failing to protect them from exploitation.

During this phase, the judge must determine if Meta’s operations constitute a "public nuisance" under state law.

A finding against the company could result in an order for wide-ranging remedies and billions of dollars in further damages.

Specifically, Torrez is seeking mandates for age verification, the redesign of algorithms to promote quality content, and the cessation of autoplay and infinite scroll features for minors.

"The New Mexico Attorney General’s focus on a single platform is a misguided strategy," a Meta spokesperson stated, adding that such changes could force the company to exit the state entirely.

Meta has consistently maintained that it takes extensive measures to ensure user safety and argued that there is no scientific consensus linking social media to mental health crises.

However, Torrez hopes the case will "set a new standard" for global social media conduct. This trial follows a previous phase in March, where a jury found Meta violated consumer protection laws through safety misrepresentations, resulting in a $375 million penalty.

As thousands of similar lawsuits loom nationwide, Meta has warned investors that these regulatory challenges could significantly impact future financial results and business operations.