A New Mexico jury has found that Meta knowingly harmed children’s mental health and concealed information about child sexual exploitation on its social media platforms. The decision, following a nearly seven-week trial, favored state prosecutors who argued that Meta, the parent company of Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, prioritized profits over safety. The jury concluded that Meta violated aspects of the state’s Unfair Practices Act by concealing information about the dangers of child sexual exploitation on its platforms and the negative impact on children’s mental health. They also determined that Meta engaged in “unconscionable” trade practices that took advantage of children’s vulnerabilities and inexperience.
The jury found thousands of violations, with each counting separately toward a penalty of $375 million US. In response, a Meta spokesperson stated that they respectfully disagree with the verdict and plan to appeal, emphasizing their efforts to ensure platform safety and the challenges in identifying and removing harmful content.
New Mexico’s case is one of the initial trials in a series of litigations involving social media platforms and their effects on children. The trial, which commenced on February 9, is a significant development amidst growing concerns from school districts and lawmakers regarding smartphone use in educational settings.
Meanwhile, in a federal court in California, a jury has been deliberating for over a week on whether Meta and YouTube should be held liable for harms inflicted on children via their platforms. This case is one of three bellwether court proceedings that could shape the outcomes of numerous similar lawsuits.
Furthermore, more than 40 state attorneys general have filed lawsuits against Meta, alleging that the company is contributing to a mental health crisis among young individuals by intentionally designing addictive features on Instagram and Facebook.
The prosecution in New Mexico’s case relied on an undercover investigation by the state, where agents created social media accounts posing as children to document instances of sexual solicitations and Meta’s responses. The lawsuit, initiated by New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez in 2023, also addresses Meta’s alleged failure to disclose or confront the risks associated with social media addiction.
During closing arguments, Meta’s attorney highlighted that the company invests in safety not only as a moral obligation but also as a beneficial business practice. The defense emphasized that Meta’s apps are designed to facilitate connections among users, not to enable predatory behavior.
Despite legal protections under Section 230 of the U.S. Communications Decency Act and the First Amendment, New Mexico prosecutors argue that Meta should be held accountable for disseminating harmful content to children through complex algorithms. They asserted that Meta’s choices have had severe adverse effects on children.
The trial is expected to proceed to a second phase to determine if Meta created a public nuisance and potential remedies. The proceedings included testimonies from Meta executives, platform engineers, whistleblowers, psychiatric experts, and educators who discussed the disruptive impacts of social media on schools and children. The case underscores the ongoing debates surrounding the responsibilities of tech companies in safeguarding users, particularly minors.
