New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez has initiated legal action against Meta, aiming for significant changes in how the company manages its platforms for minors. The lawsuit highlights concerns over child safety, with allegations that Meta has not complied with state laws protecting children online. In response, Meta has threatened to withdraw its services—Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp—entirely from New Mexico.
Torrez accused Meta of prioritizing profits over child safety, citing a 2023 undercover investigation by the New Mexico Department of Justice. Investigators created a fake profile of a 13-year-old and were quickly inundated with inappropriate messages from adults, raising serious questions about Meta’s safety measures. The case has already resulted in a jury finding Meta liable for 75,000 violations of New Mexico’s Unfair Practices Act, leading to a $375 million civil penalty.
The upcoming bench trial, set for May 4, aims to address these issues and determine whether to grant an injunction that would enforce drastic operational changes for Meta users under 18 in New Mexico. Proposed measures include age verification requirements, restrictions on adult messaging minors, and changes to algorithmic recommendations to prioritize safety over engagement. Other requests include the elimination of end-to-end encryption for younger users and a cap on their platform access.
Meta’s representatives criticized the lawsuit as impractical, arguing that it neglects other platforms used by minors and infringes on parental rights. The company has maintained its commitment to enhancing online safety and has already implemented several protective measures.
Why this story matters:
- The case highlights ongoing concerns regarding child safety on social media platforms.
Key takeaway:
- New Mexico is pursuing substantial reforms to Meta’s practices in response to alleged failures in protecting children online.
Opposing viewpoint:
- Meta argues that the legal demands are unrealistic and overlook the broader landscape of apps used by minors.
