A trial starting Monday in Santa Fe, New Mexico, could force Meta to make sweeping changes to Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp-or withdraw from the state entirely. New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez, a Democrat, accuses Meta of designing its products to addict young users and failing to protect children from sexual exploitation.
The case hinges on whether Meta's platforms create a "public nuisance" under state law. If so, the judge can order broad remedies. This trial follows a March jury verdict finding Meta violated New Mexico's consumer protection law, ordering $375 million in damages.
Meta warns that complying with the state's demands-including age verification, algorithm changes, and ending autoplay for minors-is "technologically impractical or completely impossible." Torrez's office seeks up to $3.7 billion to fund a 15-year mental health plan.
This case is part of a wave of lawsuits: over 40 states and 1,300 school districts have filed similar claims. Meta argues the state's focus on a single platform ignores the hundreds of other apps teens use daily and infringes on parental rights.