Trial Against Meta Highlights Child Safety Concerns on Social Media

Tue Feb 10 2026 01:08:26 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As a landmark trial begins in New Mexico, prosecutors argue that Meta's platforms expose children to sexual exploitation while the tech giant defends its practices amid growing scrutiny.

The trial in New Mexico marks the first standalone case against Meta, charging that the social media giant has failed to protect children from sexual exploitation and mental health issues. Prosecutors allege that Meta's design engages children while facilitating predatory behavior, leading to violations of consumer protection laws. Meta denies the allegations, asserting it adequately protects young users and blaming mental health struggles on broader societal issues. The trial raises significant questions about accountability and safety in an evolving digital landscape.

SANTA FE, N.M. — A landmark trial against Meta has commenced in New Mexico, centering on child safety issues in social media. The trial raises serious concerns as to whether platforms like Facebook and Instagram adequately protect young users from sexual exploitation and mental health harm.

The New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez filed a lawsuit against Meta in 2023, alleging that the company's platforms create an environment where predators can easily target children and that its algorithms promote addictive behaviors. Attorneys representing the state argue that Meta's practices violate consumer protection laws and contribute significantly to child sexual exploitation.

Evidence gathered by the prosecution includes undercover investigations where team members posed as minors on social media, documenting the prevalence of sexual solicitations directed at them. The lawsuit claims that Meta's business model prioritizes profit over children's safety, creating a breeding ground for online predators. Meta knowingly exposes children to the twin dangers of sexual exploitation and mental health harm,” the indictment claims.

In response, Meta has vociferously denied these allegations, accusing attorneys of cherry-picking evidence and claiming that their investigation is ethically compromised. A spokesperson for Meta emphasized the company's commitment to protecting young people, pointing to various safety features implemented on its platforms.

The trial has attracted considerable public interest, with jury selection featuring individuals with diverse backgrounds regarding social media use. At its core, this court case may shift accountability onto social media giants like Meta, compelling them to reconsider the safety of their user engagement strategies, particularly when involving minors.

As discussions of potential solutions proliferate, such as enhanced age verification and algorithm adjustments that address harmful content, the outcome of this trial may set a significant precedent for how social media is regulated in relation to child safety.