Santa Fe, New Mexico is the location of closing arguments scheduled for Monday in a landmark trial. Social media conglomerate Meta is accused of misleading users regarding the safety of its platforms for children.
A Landmark Case
The case, heard in New Mexico state court, is among the first of a growing number of legal challenges concerning the impact of social media on children to reach trial. Jurors will begin deliberations after Monday’s arguments, following six weeks of testimony from over sixty witnesses, including teachers, psychiatric experts, state investigators, Meta officials, and former Meta employees.
New Mexico prosecutors accuse Meta – the parent company of Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp – of prioritizing profits over safety, violating state consumer protection laws. Concerns center on the algorithms used by the platforms and various messaging features, and settings.
Meta’s attorneys dispute these claims, stating the company incorporates protections for teenagers and works to remove harmful content. They acknowledge, however, that some harmful posts still appear on the platforms.
Potential Outcomes and Broader Implications
Following the jury’s decision, a judge will determine whether Meta created a public nuisance and, if so, what financial responsibility the company may have to fund programs addressing alleged harms to children. A finding of willful violations could result in fines of up to $5,000 per violation, potentially totaling billions of dollars. Meta has indicated it would seek a different calculation of potential fines.
The case is being closely watched as a similar trial is underway in California, where a jury is deliberating on the liability of Meta and YouTube for harms caused to children. The outcome of that case is expected to influence thousands of similar lawsuits. Tech companies have historically been shielded from liability for content posted by users under Section 230 of the U.S. Communications Decency Act and First Amendment protections.
Prosecutors emphasize that New Mexico is not seeking to hold Meta accountable for the content itself, but for its role in amplifying potentially harmful material through its algorithms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Meta accused of in this trial?
Meta is accused of misleading users about the safety of its platforms for children and prioritizing profits over safety, in violation of New Mexico state consumer protection laws.
What platforms does Meta own?
Meta owns Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp.
What could happen if Meta is found liable?
A judge will determine if Meta created a public nuisance and what financial responsibility the company may have. A finding of willful violations could lead to fines of up to $5,000 per violation.
As social media continues to evolve, how will legal frameworks adapt to address the challenges of protecting young users online?
