New Mexico Wins $375M Verdict Against Meta in Child Exploitation Case
COLUMBUS — A Santa Fe jury delivered a significant $375 million verdict against Meta Platforms Inc. on Tuesday, finding the social media giant failed to protect children from exploitation and harm on its platforms.
The New Mexico Attorney General’s Office successfully argued that Meta’s algorithms and design features enabled predators to target minors and facilitated the distribution of child sexual abuse material, according to court documents.
The verdict represents one of the largest judgments ever secured against a major technology company for child safety violations. New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez led the case, which was filed in state court in 2023.
Case Details and Evidence
During the three-week trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Meta’s platforms, including Instagram and Facebook, used recommendation algorithms that connected adults with minors for illegal purposes. The state argued these systems created what officials described as “a marketplace for predators.”
Internal company documents revealed Meta executives were aware of child safety risks but prioritized user engagement over protection measures, according to testimony presented during the trial. The documents showed the company received thousands of reports of inappropriate content involving minors but did not respond adequately.
“Meta has prioritized profits over the safety of the most vulnerable members of our society,” Torrez said in a statement following the verdict.
Meta’s Response and Legal Implications
Meta representatives said the company plans to appeal the decision and disputed the characterization of its safety practices. The tech giant argued it has invested billions of dollars in safety measures and employs thousands of content moderators worldwide.
“We disagree with the verdict and believe our platforms have industry-leading safety measures for young users,” a Meta spokesperson said in an emailed statement. The company pointed to recent feature updates designed to give parents more control over their children’s accounts.
Legal experts noted the verdict could set a precedent for similar cases against social media companies nationwide. At least 15 other states have filed comparable lawsuits against Meta and other platforms, according to court filings.
Impact on Tech Industry Oversight
The New Mexico case focused specifically on how Meta’s business model and algorithmic recommendations contributed to child exploitation. Prosecutors argued the company’s advertising-based revenue system incentivized keeping users engaged regardless of safety concerns.
The $375 million award will go toward child safety programs and victim services in New Mexico, officials said. The state plans to use the funds for enhanced digital literacy education and support services for families affected by online exploitation.
Consumer advocacy groups praised the verdict as a step toward greater accountability for tech companies. The Center for Digital Resilience called the judgment “a watershed moment for child online safety.”
Meta has 30 days to file an appeal with the New Mexico Court of Appeals. The company’s stock price dropped 2.3 percent in after-hours trading following news of the verdict.
Sources: Ohio Capital Journal
