New Mexico trial citing ‘public nuisance’ laws against Meta, social platforms

A trial beginning ⁠in New Mexico on Monday could prompt a judge to order sweeping changes ⁠to how Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp operate – a move Meta Platforms has warned could force it to withdraw from the state.

The case, which will be tried before a judge in Santa Fe, stems from a lawsuit filed by New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez, a Democrat, accusing the social media giant of designing its products to addict young users and failing to protect children from sexual exploitation on its platforms.

At the heart of the trial is whether Meta’s platforms have created a “public nuisance” under New Mexico law. That finding would allow ‌the judge to order wide-ranging remedies aimed at curbing alleged harms to young users. The case is being closely watched as states, municipalities and school districts across the US pursue similar claims seeking to force changes at the industry level.

Criticism of children’s safety on social media has been mounting for years. On Wednesday, Meta warned investors that legal and regulatory blowback in the European Union and the US “could significantly impact our business and financial results.”

Sweeping remedies at stake