Meta to Stand Trial in New Mexico Over Child Safety Allegations
The first stand-alone trial resulting from a wave of state lawsuits against Meta Platforms Inc. is scheduled to commence on Monday, February 2, 2026, in New Mexico. This pivotal case, initiated by state prosecutors, centers on allegations that Meta’s social media environments endanger minors. The legal action stems from an undercover state investigation where officials created decoy accounts posing as children under 14 to document sexual solicitations and assess Meta’s responses.
New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez, who filed the civil suit in 2023, asserts that Meta knowingly created a “marketplace and breeding ground” for predators while concealing its knowledge of the platforms’ harmful effects on young users. Prosecutors argue the company prioritized profit over child safety. The trial, with opening statements set for February 9, 2026, is projected to last nearly two months and could establish new legal precedents for holding social media companies accountable under consumer protection and nuisance laws.
A critical aspect of the state’s strategy is focusing not on user-generated content, but on Meta’s algorithms that allegedly amplify addictive and harmful material for children. This approach may circumvent Section 230 of the U.S. Communications Decency Act, which typically shields tech companies from liability for content posted by users. The outcome could have significant ripple effects, influencing similar litigation across the country and the globe, much as regulatory discussions surrounding the full list countries with stringent online safety laws are evolving.
Meta has denied all charges, labeling the state’s arguments as “sensationalist” and accusing authorities of cherry-picking evidence. Although CEO Mark Zuckerberg was dismissed as a named defendant, case documents and depositions reference him. Meta maintains it offers robust safety tools, content filters, and educational features to protect teenage users. This trial occurs amidst broader scrutiny, with over 40 state attorneys general pursuing lawsuits claiming Meta’s platforms harm youth mental health. Concurrent cases in California target Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok for allegedly contributing to adolescent addiction, depression, and suicidal thoughts. In a related matter, New Mexico has also brought allegations against Snap Inc. for facilitating child exploitation, though a trial date in that case is pending.
