Meta Faces Landmark Trial Over Child Safety on Social Media

Tue Feb 10 2026 01:33:16 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A pivotal trial beginning in New Mexico examines allegations against Meta regarding child sexual exploitation and the impact of its social media platforms on youth safety.

The New Mexico trial against Meta is the first major case targeting social media firms over alleged harms to children. Prosecutors claim that Meta's platforms are designed to attract and exploit children. Evidence from undercover operations indicates awareness of the risks, leading to accusations of negligence and a public safety nuisance. Meta denies these charges, emphasizing its commitment to user safety and compliance with laws. This case represents a significant turning point in the ongoing discourse over social media's impact on adolescent mental health and safety.

SANTA FE, N.M. — The trial concerning the dangers of child sexual exploitation on social media is commencing in New Mexico, with opening statements set for Monday. This trial represents the first stand-alone case from state prosecutors against Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, highlighting explicit online content and its effects on young users.

In 2023, New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez initiated this lawsuit, having built a case through undercover operations that posed as children on social media platforms. These operations documented the influx of sexual solicitations and Meta’s responses to them.

The prosecution intends to demonstrate how Meta's algorithms have lured young users, creating an environment ripe for exploitation. Allegations include claims that Meta failed to adequately reveal known dangers, thereby violating state consumer protection statutes and causing public nuisance.

The lawsuit explicitly states: Meta knowingly exposes children to the twin dangers of sexual exploitation and mental health harm. The impetus for these actions, according to the prosecution, is Meta's profit motive.

Meta, in rebuttal, denies any wrongdoing, asserting that the prosecution's evidence has been selectively manipulated to create alarmist narratives. The company’s spokesperson criticized the ethical integrity of the state’s investigation, claiming the misuse of child images and improper data handling.

Moreover, Meta has emphasized its ongoing commitment to youth safety through the enhancement of account settings and tools developed in collaboration with experts and law enforcement. The company argues that it has made meaningful progress in understanding and addressing issues affecting young users.

Testimony from Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg may be pivotal, although New Mexico's laws limit the ability to compel out-of-state witnesses to appear in person. His depositions, however, could be presented during the trial.

As the trial unfolds, it brings to light the broader societal debates surrounding the impact of social media on adolescent mental health and safety, with over 40 state attorneys general engaging in legal battles against Meta for allegedly fostering addictive behavior in children.