Trial against Meta over sexual exploitation in children begins in New Mexico

"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."

"Meta denies any legal violations and says prosecutors are cherry-picking evidence to make sensationalist arguments. On Sunday, Meta called the state's investigation "ethically compromised" in its use of child photos on proxy accounts, delays in reporting child sexual abuse material and the disposal of data from devices used in the investigation, in social media posts on X by company spokesperson Andy Stone."

A trial in New Mexico opens with state prosecutors accusing Meta of exposing children to sexual solicitation and mental-health harms on its platforms. The New Mexico attorney general sued Meta in 2023 after investigators posed as minors, documented sexual solicitations, and tracked Meta's responses. Prosecutors will present evidence that algorithms and account features enticed and addicted young users and created opportunities for predators, and that Meta failed to disclose known harms in violation of consumer protection laws and created a public nuisance. Meta denies legal violations, contends evidence is cherry-picked, and criticizes investigative methods while asserting support for young people.

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