A jury in New Mexico has concluded that Meta intentionally harmed children’s mental well-being and concealed information regarding child sexual exploitation on its social media platforms. The decision, following a lengthy trial, favored state prosecutors who asserted that Meta, the parent company of Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, prioritized financial gains over user safety.
The jury found Meta in violation of sections of the state’s Unfair Practices Act for concealing knowledge about the risks of child sexual exploitation and its negative impact on children’s mental health. The company was also accused of engaging in unfair trade practices that exploited the vulnerabilities and inexperience of children. The jury identified numerous violations, with each one contributing to a hefty penalty totaling $375 million.
Despite the verdict, a Meta spokesperson expressed disagreement and stated an intention to appeal, emphasizing their efforts to maintain platform safety while acknowledging the challenges in identifying and removing harmful content and users. The case in New Mexico is one of the initial trials in a series of lawsuits confronting social media platforms concerning their influence on children.
The trial, which commenced on February 9, marks the beginning of a string of legal actions against Meta, coinciding with calls from educators and lawmakers for stricter regulations on smartphone usage in educational settings. Meanwhile, in a separate court case in California, a jury is deliberating whether Meta and YouTube should be held accountable for harm caused to minors on their platforms, a pivotal lawsuit that could shape the outcome of similar litigations.
Moreover, over 40 state attorneys general have filed complaints against Meta, alleging that the company’s design of Instagram and Facebook features contributes to a mental health crisis among young individuals. New Mexico’s lawsuit, initiated in 2023 by Attorney General Raul Torrez, highlights Meta’s purported failure to disclose or address the risks associated with social media addiction.
During the trial, evidence from a state undercover investigation was presented, showing how agents posing as children documented instances of sexual solicitation and Meta’s responses. The prosecution argued that Meta’s algorithms propagate harmful content, impacting children negatively, despite the company’s claims of prioritizing user safety and positive user experience.
Moving forward, a second phase of the trial is anticipated to determine if Meta’s actions constitute a public nuisance, potentially leading to injunctions and financial remedies. The proceedings in New Mexico shed light on internal communications within Meta, along with testimonies from executives, engineers, whistleblowers, and experts in tech safety and psychiatry. Educators also testified about challenges arising from social media disruptions, including schemes targeting children.
In closing arguments, the prosecution emphasized that Meta’s algorithmic choices aimed at maximizing user engagement have profound adverse effects on children. The jury deliberated on allegations that Meta failed to disclose crucial information related to platform safety, including issues with age restrictions, content on teen suicide, and the role of algorithms in promoting harmful material.