New Mexico Trial Against Meta Begins

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A high-profile trial against social media company Meta began in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Monday. The case, brought by the New Mexico Attorney General, alleges that Meta intentionally targets teens and preteens to maximize advertising revenue while exposing younger users to sexual exploitation and other online dangers. The trial is the first standalone trial from state prosecutors in a stream of lawsuits against major social media companies over harm to children.

Why it matters

The outcome of this trial in New Mexico, as well as a separate case against Meta and YouTube in California, could challenge the tech companies' legal protections and force them to implement more effective age verification and content moderation measures to protect minors on their platforms.

The details

Prosecutors argue that Meta was aware of safety concerns involving its platforms but chose to continue operating without making sufficient changes. They plan to present evidence linking social media use to issues like addiction, anxiety, depression, self-harm and suicide. Meta's defense centers on the position that the company discloses, rather than conceals, potential risks and has implemented features to provide additional safeguards for younger users.

• The trial in New Mexico began on Monday, February 10, 2026.
• The trial is expected to continue over the next several weeks.

What’s next

The trial in New Mexico is expected to continue over the next several weeks, and the outcome could have significant implications for how social media companies are regulated and held accountable for harm to minors on their platforms.