- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
New Mexico Sues Meta Over Child Sexual Exploitation on Social Media
Trial focuses on Meta's alleged failure to disclose dangers of its platforms to young users
Published on Feb. 9, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
A trial is set to begin in New Mexico against Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, over allegations that the company misrepresented the safety of its platforms and failed to protect children from sexual exploitation. New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez sued Meta in 2023, claiming the company's algorithms and features enticed and addicted young people while creating a 'breeding ground' for predators. Prosecutors say they will provide evidence that Meta knew about these harmful effects but did not disclose them, violating state consumer protection laws.
Why it matters
This case highlights the growing legal scrutiny social media companies face over the impact of their platforms on child safety and mental health. It is the first stand-alone trial from state prosecutors in a series of lawsuits against major tech firms, and could set a precedent for how these issues are addressed going forward.
The details
Prosecutors built the case by posing as kids on social media, then documenting the sexual solicitations they received as well as Meta's response. They allege Meta's algorithms and features created a 'breeding ground' for predators targeting children, while also causing mental health harm, and that the company failed to disclose what it knew about these dangers. Meta denies any legal violations, calling the state's investigation 'ethically compromised' and arguing the lawsuit oversimplifies the complex issue of teen mental health.
- The trial is set to begin with opening statements on Monday, February 9, 2026.
- New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez sued Meta in 2023.
The players
Raúl Torrez
The Democratic Attorney General of New Mexico who filed the lawsuit against Meta in 2023.
Meta
The parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, which is being sued by the New Mexico Attorney General over alleged failures to protect children on its platforms.
Mark Zuckerberg
The CEO of Meta, who may testify at the trial, though New Mexico has limited ability to compel out-of-state witnesses to appear in person.
What they’re saying
“Meta knowingly exposes children to the twin dangers of sexual exploitation and mental health harm. Meta's motive for doing so is profit.”
— New Mexico Attorney General's Office (wbal.com)
“For over a decade, we've listened to parents, worked with experts and law enforcement, and conducted in-depth research to understand the issues that matter most. We're proud of the progress we've made.”
— Meta (wbal.com)
What’s next
It's unclear whether Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg will testify at the trial, as New Mexico has limited ability to compel out-of-state witnesses to appear in person.
The takeaway
This case highlights the growing legal and public scrutiny that social media companies face over the impact of their platforms on child safety and mental health. The outcome could set a precedent for how these complex issues are addressed going forward.
