SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A trial focused on the dangers of child sexual exploitation on social media and whether Meta misrepresented the safety of its platforms is set to start in New Mexico with opening statements Monday.
It’s the first stand-alone trial from state prosecutors in a stream of lawsuits against major social media companies, including Meta, over harm to children, and one that is likely to highlight explicit online content and its effects.
New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez sued Meta in 2023. His team built the case by posing as kids through social media accounts, then documenting the arrival of sexual solicitations as well as the response by Meta, the owner of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
Prosecutors say they’ll provide evidence and testimony that Meta’s algorithms and account features enticed and addicted young people to social media while also creating a “breeding ground” for predators who target children for sexual exploitation. Prosecutors allege Meta failed to disclose what it knew about those harmful effects, in violation of state consumer protection laws. Meta also is accused of creating a public nuisance.
“Meta knowingly exposes children to the twin dangers of sexual exploitation and mental health harm,” the lawsuit states. “Meta’s motive for doing so is profit.”
Meta denies any legal violations and states that prosecutors are cherry-picking evidence to make sensationalist arguments. On Sunday, the company referred to the state’s investigation as “ethically compromised” due to its tactics involving child photos on proxy accounts and delays in reporting child sexual abuse material.
“The company says lawsuits are attempting to place the blame for teen mental health struggles on social media companies in a way that oversimplifies matters,” highlighting its commitment to implementing safety features and consulting with parents and experts.
It's unclear if Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg will testify at trial; New Mexico limits the ability to compel out-of-state witnesses to testify in person. Attitudes toward Zuckerberg and social media’s effects loomed over jury selection.
The trial comes amidst a larger context where more than 40 state attorneys general have filed lawsuits against Meta, claiming that it intentionally designs features that entice children to its platforms. As the case unfolds, the implications for social media regulation and child safety remain significant.
It’s the first stand-alone trial from state prosecutors in a stream of lawsuits against major social media companies, including Meta, over harm to children, and one that is likely to highlight explicit online content and its effects.
New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez sued Meta in 2023. His team built the case by posing as kids through social media accounts, then documenting the arrival of sexual solicitations as well as the response by Meta, the owner of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
Prosecutors say they’ll provide evidence and testimony that Meta’s algorithms and account features enticed and addicted young people to social media while also creating a “breeding ground” for predators who target children for sexual exploitation. Prosecutors allege Meta failed to disclose what it knew about those harmful effects, in violation of state consumer protection laws. Meta also is accused of creating a public nuisance.
“Meta knowingly exposes children to the twin dangers of sexual exploitation and mental health harm,” the lawsuit states. “Meta’s motive for doing so is profit.”
Meta denies any legal violations and states that prosecutors are cherry-picking evidence to make sensationalist arguments. On Sunday, the company referred to the state’s investigation as “ethically compromised” due to its tactics involving child photos on proxy accounts and delays in reporting child sexual abuse material.
“The company says lawsuits are attempting to place the blame for teen mental health struggles on social media companies in a way that oversimplifies matters,” highlighting its commitment to implementing safety features and consulting with parents and experts.
It's unclear if Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg will testify at trial; New Mexico limits the ability to compel out-of-state witnesses to testify in person. Attitudes toward Zuckerberg and social media’s effects loomed over jury selection.
The trial comes amidst a larger context where more than 40 state attorneys general have filed lawsuits against Meta, claiming that it intentionally designs features that entice children to its platforms. As the case unfolds, the implications for social media regulation and child safety remain significant.
