Trial against Meta in New Mexico focuses on dangers of child sexual exploitation on social media

"A trial focused on the dangers of child sexual exploitation on social media and whether Meta misrepresented the safety of its platforms is set to start in New Mexico with opening statements Monday. It's the first stand-alone trial from state prosecutors in a stream of lawsuits against major social media companies, including Meta, over harm to children, and one that is likely to highlight explicit online content and its effects."

"Prosecutors say they'll provide evidence and testimony that Meta's algorithms and account features enticed and addicted young people to social media, while also creating a breeding ground for predators who target children for sexual exploitation. Prosecutors allege Meta failed to disclose what it knew about those harmful effects, in violation of state consumer protection laws. Meta also is accused of creating a public nuisance."

New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez sued Meta in 2023 alleging the company exposed children to sexual exploitation and mental-health harms. Prosecutors posed as children on social media accounts, documented sexual solicitations and recorded Meta's responses. The case alleges Meta's algorithms and account features enticed and addicted young people, while creating a breeding ground for predators. The suit claims Meta failed to disclose knowledge of those harms and violated state consumer protection laws and created a public nuisance. Meta denies legal violations, accuses prosecutors of cherry-picking evidence, and says the litigation oversimplifies teen mental-health challenges.

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