New Mexico seeks $953 million from Meta for harm to youth
A New Mexico court found Meta liable for endangering children. The state's attorney general is seeking $953 million in damages and injunctive relief requiring the company to implement age controls, remove addictive features, and use safer algorithms that prioritize user well-being over engagement.
What happened
A jury found Meta Platforms Inc. liable for endangering children. New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez is seeking a state district judge to order Meta to pay $953 million to abate public harm to children and teens.
The state alleges Meta contributed substantially to a mental health crisis among teens by allowing minors easy access to addictive social media platforms and exposing them to sexual predators. New Mexico seeks an injunction including more effective age controls, removal of infinite scroll during sleep and school hours, and safer algorithms that do not prioritize engagement over well-being.
Reported impact
The state alleges Meta's platforms have contributed to a mental health crisis among children and teens in New Mexico, with minors exposed to exploitation by sexual predators.
Index analysis
Meta argues the state has failed to prove its platforms impact mental health outcomes. The company contends the injunction sought is neither reasonable nor needed, noting it has already implemented similar measures.
Governance controls
New Mexico is also asking the court to order Meta to post advisories on its platforms warning consumers about potential mental health harms.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.