Meta’s major trial kicks off this week in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The state’s attorney general, Raúl Torrez, is taking on the social media giant over how its platforms, Facebook and Instagram, allegedly enable the exploitation of children.
Torrez claims that Meta knowingly allowed predators to target young users, creating an environment ripe for sexual exploitation and trafficking. The lawsuit suggests that Meta prioritizes profit and engagement over safety, making design choices that expose kids to real dangers online.
A spokesperson for Meta insists they are committed to supporting young users. They point to efforts like Teen Accounts, which include built-in protections and tools for parents to monitor their children’s experiences. However, critics argue that these measures fall short.
In a 2023 investigation by The Guardian, it was reported that many perpetrators find Meta’s platforms easy to exploit. Torrez called Meta the “largest marketplace for predators and paedophiles globally.” This heightened scrutiny comes at a time when social media firms are facing increasing legal challenges regarding their responsibilities for user safety.
The trial is also significant due to a recent wave of similar lawsuits across the country. In Los Angeles, hundreds of families and schools are holding platforms like Meta and TikTok accountable for mental health issues stemming from their designs, which reportedly lead to addiction and harmful behaviors among youth.
Sacha Haworth from the Tech Oversight Project describes these trials as pivotal moments for big tech, drawing parallels to how society once held tobacco and pharmaceutical companies accountable. She emphasizes that as these cases unfold, the pressure on social media companies to take responsibility for their impact is growing.
Key witnesses in the New Mexico trial may include educators and law enforcement officers who can share firsthand accounts of the dangers posed by Meta’s platforms. There are allegations that Meta’s internal documents show that nearly 100,000 children face online sexual harassment daily on their services. This shocking statistic underscores the urgency of the situation.
Evidence may also reveal past failures, such as the 2024 arrest of three men who allegedly targeted children on these platforms as part of “Operation MetaPhile.” Undercover agents found that sexual advances towards minors were being regularly made, yet Meta did not intervene effectively, instead guiding users on how to enhance their accounts.
Furthermore, recent filings suggest that Mark Zuckerberg himself approved measures allowing minors to use AI chatbots, despite warnings from staff about potential risks. These decisions raise serious questions about the company’s commitment to child safety.
As the trial progresses over the next several weeks, it will likely serve as a lens through which the broader implications of social media on youth safety are examined. The outcomes could very well shape how tech companies operate in an age where accountability is increasingly demanded.
