New Mexico seeks changes to Meta platforms in youth harm trial

10:30

A legal trial is set to begin in New Mexico focusing on allegations that major social media platforms operated by Meta have negatively affected the mental health of young users. The case is being heard in Santa Fe and represents a significant step in ongoing legal efforts to regulate digital platforms’ impact on minors.

Allegations against Meta

New Mexico’s Attorney General Raúl Torrez has accused Meta of designing its platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, in ways that encourage excessive use among young people. The lawsuit also claims that the company did not do enough to protect minors from harmful online content and potential exploitation.

Court proceedings and previous ruling

This trial marks the second phase of the legal process. In a previous ruling, a jury found that Meta had violated consumer protection laws by overstating the safety of its platforms for young users. The company was ordered to pay hundreds of millions of dollars in damages.

Requested changes and remedies

During the current phase, the court will determine whether Meta’s platforms created a “public nuisance” under state law. If this is confirmed, the judge could impose broader changes. These may include introducing stricter age verification systems, modifying content recommendation algorithms for minors, and removing features such as autoplay videos and infinite scrolling for younger users.

The state is also seeking additional financial penalties, potentially reaching billions of dollars, alongside structural changes to how Meta’s platforms operate for users in New Mexico.

Meta’s position

Meta has rejected the allegations, stating that it has already implemented safety tools and parental controls. The company argues that there is no direct evidence linking its platforms to declining youth mental health and maintains that it continues to invest in user protection features.