Meta, the company behind Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is facing a major trial in New Mexico over claims that its platforms allowed child exploitation.
This is the first case of its kind to reach a jury, and it could have big consequences for how social media companies handle online safety.
What’s Happening?
- The Trial: Starting in early February 2026, a jury in Santa Fe, New Mexico will hear a case against Meta.
- The Accusation: The state’s Attorney General, Raúl Torrez, says Meta’s platforms gave predators easy access to children and teens, leading to exploitation and even human trafficking.
- Why It Matters: This is the first time a lawsuit like this against Meta will be decided by a jury, making it a landmark case.
Details of the New Mexico Case
- Filed by: The State of New Mexico.
- Allegations: Meta knowingly allowed children and teens to be exposed to sexual exploitation on its platforms and profited from it.
- Platforms involved: Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp.
- Trial start: January 30–31, 2026.
- Duration: Expected to last up to eight weeks.
Why This Case Is Important
- First jury trial: This is the first time Meta faces a jury over child exploitation claims.
- Legal precedent: Could set the stage for similar lawsuits in other U.S. states.
- Big Tech scrutiny: Comes amid broader legal pressure on companies like YouTube and TikTok over child safety and addictive design. TikTok recently settled a related case, but Meta chose to fight in court.
Broader Context
- Child safety lawsuits: Regulators and advocacy groups argue that social media platforms have addictive features and fail to protect minors.
- Comparison to Big Tobacco: Some experts compare these lawsuits to the 1990s tobacco cases, which reshaped corporate accountability for public health.
- Potential outcomes: Meta could face heavy financial penalties, stricter regulations, or be forced to change how its platforms handle child safety.
The case is in New Mexico (a U.S. state), not Mexico (the country). This distinction is important because the lawsuit is part of U.S. legal action, not Mexican courts.
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