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Meta Faces Jury in Landmark Child Safety Trial
Closing arguments scheduled as New Mexico prosecutors accuse social media giant of prioritizing profits over child safety
Mar. 23, 2026 at 11:49am
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A landmark trial in New Mexico is coming to a close, where social media conglomerate Meta is accused of misleading users about the safety of its platforms for children. Jurors will decide whether Meta violated state consumer protection laws by prioritizing profits over child safety, with prosecutors raising concerns about the company's algorithms and messaging features. Meta disputes the claims, saying it incorporates protections for teenagers and works to remove harmful content, though acknowledges some still gets through.
Why it matters
This case is among the first to reach trial in a wave of litigation involving social media platforms and their impacts on children. The outcome could set a precedent for how tech companies are held accountable for harms caused to minors on their platforms, potentially opening the door for billions in fines if Meta is found to have acted 'unconscionably'.
The details
New Mexico prosecutors have accused Meta - which owns Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp - of creating a 'breeding ground' for predators who target children, and failing to disclose what it knew about those harmful effects. State investigators posed as children on social media to document online sexual solicitations and Meta's response. Meta disputes the claims, saying the company is honest about its efforts to enforce bans on child sexual abuse material, though acknowledges some harmful content still gets through its safety nets.
- Closing arguments are scheduled for Monday, March 24, 2026.
- The trial has lasted for six weeks, with testimony from teachers, psychiatric experts, state investigators, Meta officials and whistleblowers.
- The case was filed by New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez in 2023.
The players
Meta
A social media conglomerate that owns platforms including Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp.
Raúl Torrez
The New Mexico Attorney General who filed the lawsuit against Meta in 2023, accusing the company of creating a 'breeding ground' for predators who target children.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee
What’s next
A second phase of the trial will follow, with a judge deciding whether Meta created a public nuisance and should be financially responsible for programs to address alleged harms to children.
The takeaway
This case highlights the growing legal battles between tech giants and regulators over the impacts of social media platforms on children's safety and well-being. The outcome could set an important precedent for how these companies are held accountable in the future.
