Meta Faces Fresh Legal Heat as Multiple Trials Begin
Meta kicks off a high-stakes week in court as opening arguments get underway in New Mexico and Los Angeles trials.
Meta is once again under intense legal scrutiny — and this time, it’s standing alone. On Monday, opening arguments begin in a closely watched lawsuit filed by the state of New Mexico, accusing the tech giant of failing to protect children on its platforms, including Facebook and Instagram.
The case was brought forward by New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez, who claims Meta did not do enough to stop online predators from targeting underage users.
Allegations of Dangerous Design and Child Exploitation
Originally filed in 2023, the lawsuit alleges that Meta actively connected users — including minors — to sexually explicit and exploitative content. According to the complaint, the company’s platforms enabled the circulation of child sexual abuse material and even facilitated human trafficking within the state.
Torrez has argued that the issue goes beyond moderation failures. Speaking on CNBC’s Squawk Box, he said the state is alleging Meta built products that are inherently dangerous — tools that not only allow children to be targeted online but also expose them to real-world exploitation.
A Broader Legal Reckoning for Social Media
This New Mexico trial is just one of several major legal battles Meta is facing this year, all of which could reshape how social media companies operate. Legal experts have compared these lawsuits to the landmark cases against Big Tobacco in the 1990s, where companies were accused of hiding the harmful effects of their products from the public.
In January, a separate trial began in Los Angeles involving Meta alongside YouTube, TikTok, and Snap. Plaintiffs in that case argue the companies failed to adequately warn users about the mental health risks their platforms pose to young people — despite allegedly knowing their designs could be harmful.
TikTok and Snap reached settlements with one of the plaintiffs before the trial officially began.
Delays, Testimony, and High-Profile Witnesses
Opening statements in the Los Angeles case were initially delayed due to the sudden illness of a lead attorney. According to a Meta spokesperson, a jury of 18 members was finalized on Friday, clearing the way for opening arguments to start Monday.
The trial is expected to feature testimony from key Meta executives, including Instagram chief Adam Mosseri, who is scheduled to take the stand on Wednesday. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is expected to testify the following week.
Undercover Operation Strengthens New Mexico’s Case
A significant portion of New Mexico’s claims stems from an undercover investigation conducted by the attorney general’s office. Investigators created a fake social media account posing as a 13-year-old girl.
Torrez previously said the results were alarming. The account was quickly flooded with explicit images and targeted solicitations, a volume of content he described as shocking and deeply concerning.
Meta Pushes Back but Pressure Mounts
Meta has strongly denied the allegations. In public statements, the company has emphasized its “longstanding commitment to supporting young people” and improving safety across its platforms.
Still, Torrez has made it clear that the lawsuit is not only about financial penalties. While Meta could face substantial fines, he says the real goal is systemic change — including meaningful age verification, safer product design, and full transparency about the risks young users may face.
What’s Next for Big Tech and Child Safety
Social media companies have long argued that Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act shields them from liability over user-generated content. However, the common thread running through these lawsuits is not just content — it’s product design. Plaintiffs claim these platforms were built in ways that knowingly put children at risk.
Later this year, another federal trial is expected to begin in Northern California involving Meta, TikTok, YouTube, and Snap. That case centers on claims that the companies designed addictive and defective apps that contributed to unhealthy behaviors among teens and children.
As Meta kicks off a high-stakes week in court as opening arguments get underway in New Mexico and Los Angeles trials., the outcomes could have lasting consequences — not just for Meta, but for the future of social media safety as a whole.
