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New Mexico Jury Delivers Verdict in Meta Child Safety Lawsuit

A jury in New Mexico has reached a verdict in a civil trial accusing Meta of failing to protect children from online predators on its platforms. The trial focused on allegations that Meta violated consumer protection laws and misled users about safety on Facebook and Instagram. If found liable, Meta could face a penalty exceeding $2 billion, with a second phase to determine if it created a public nuisance. Experts compare the case to 1990s Big Tobacco lawsuits over alleged misinformation. Separate trials in Los Angeles and federally are examining social media's impact on youth mental health involving Meta and other companies.

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New Mexico Jury Delivers Verdict in Meta Child Safety Lawsuit

A jury in New Mexico has delivered a verdict in a landmark civil trial against Meta, alleging the company failed to protect children from online predators on Facebook and Instagram.

Trial Background

  • The civil trial began on February 9 in Santa Fe, with New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez suing Meta in 2023.
  • Allegations include violating state consumer protection laws and misleading residents about the safety of Meta's apps.
  • The lawsuit followed an undercover operation where a fake profile of a 13-year-old girl was targeted by child abusers.

Verdict and Potential Penalty

  • After deliberations started Monday, the jury has reached a verdict; they must rule in favor of or against Meta.
  • During closing statements, attorney Linda Singer, representing New Mexico, urged a civil penalty that could exceed $2 billion.
  • Meta has denied the allegations, stating it is "focused on demonstrating our longstanding commitment to supporting young people."
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Next Phase and Public Nuisance Claim

  • A second phase of the trial, to be conducted without a jury, is scheduled for summer.
  • A judge will determine whether Meta created a public nuisance and should fund public programs to address the alleged harms.

Comparison to Historical Lawsuits

  • Experts compare this case to the 1990s Big Tobacco lawsuits due to allegations that Meta misled the public about the safety and potential harms of its products.

Related Legal Proceedings

  • A separate personal injury trial in Los Angeles Superior Court involves Meta and Google's YouTube, with jurors deliberating since last Friday on whether design features contributed to the mental distress of plaintiff K.G.M., who alleged addiction underage.
  • This LA case is considered a bellwether for similar California lawsuits under Judicial Council Coordination Proceedings.
  • A federal trial in the Northern District of California is set to commence later this year, where multiple school districts and parents allege that Meta, YouTube, TikTok, and Snap caused negative mental health harms to teenagers and children.

Additional Meta News

  • In related commentary, Evercore's Mark Mahaney stated he would be surprised if Meta workforce cuts are as large as reported.
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