Meta Platforms is set to face a landmark trial next week in a lawsuit brought by the U.S. state of New Mexico, accusing the social media giant of exposing children and teenagers to sexual exploitation on its platforms and profiting from harmful content.
The case, filed by New Mexico’s attorney general, marks the first time allegations of this kind against Meta have advanced to a jury trial. State officials argue that Meta knowingly designed features on platforms such as Facebook and Instagram that encourage prolonged engagement by minors, while failing to adequately prevent predators from targeting young users.
According to the lawsuit, Meta’s algorithms allegedly promoted connections and content that increased the risk of sexual exploitation, including interactions between adults and minors. Prosecutors claim the company was aware of these risks through internal research and reports but prioritized growth and advertising revenue over child safety.
Meta has repeatedly denied the allegations, stating that it has invested heavily in safety tools, content moderation, and partnerships with child-protection organizations. The company maintains that it actively works to remove harmful content, report illegal activity, and limit contact between minors and potentially dangerous users. Meta is expected to argue that responsibility also lies with parents, guardians, and law enforcement, and that the platforms are being unfairly blamed for broader societal issues.
The trial comes amid increasing global scrutiny of social media companies and their impact on young users’ mental health and safety. Lawmakers in the United States and abroad have proposed or enacted stricter regulations aimed at protecting minors online, including age-verification requirements and limits on algorithmic content recommendations.
Legal experts say a verdict against Meta could set a powerful precedent, opening the door for similar lawsuits by other states and influencing future regulation of social media platforms. The outcome may also shape how technology companies design and monitor products used by millions of children worldwide.