A high-stakes trial has begun in New Mexico to examine claims that Meta’s platforms — Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp — have negatively impacted the mental health of young users. The case, led by Attorney General Raúl Torrez, follows a March jury verdict that found Meta violated consumer protection laws by misrepresenting the safety of its platforms, resulting in $375 million in damages. The current phase will determine whether the platforms constitute a “public nuisance,” potentially opening the door to sweeping court-ordered reforms.
Torrez’s office is seeking significant additional damages, possibly in the billions, along with major operational changes to Meta’s platforms for minors. Proposed measures include implementing stricter age verification, redesigning algorithms to prioritize safer and higher-quality content, and disabling features like autoplay and infinite scrolling for younger users. The case is part of a broader wave of lawsuits across the United States accusing social media companies of intentionally designing addictive products that contribute to a growing youth mental health crisis.
Meta has defended its practices, stating it has taken extensive steps to ensure user safety and arguing there is no conclusive scientific evidence linking social media use to mental health issues. The company also warned that regulatory pressures in both the U.S. and European Union could significantly impact its business. In court filings, Meta suggested that the demands made by New Mexico may be impractical and could even force it to reconsider operating in the state, while emphasizing that focusing on a single platform overlooks the wide range of apps used by teens today.
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