A New Mexico jury found Meta Platforms Inc. liable for endangering children by misleading consumers about the safety of its social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. After a 6-week trial in Santa Fe County, the jury found Meta liable for both claims brought by the State of New Mexico under the Unfair Practices Act and ordered Meta to pay $375 million in civil penalties.
New Mexico was the first state to go to trial and the first to reach a verdict against a social media platform for enabling the illegal exploitation of minors, harming kids and misleading parents. The verdict signifies a key early victory in the broader fight to hold social media giants accountable for alleged harms to children, teens and public entities that have a duty of care to their citizens.
What’s the case against Meta about?
The case, brought by New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez, alleged Meta designed and operated its platforms with inadequate protections that enabled predators to find, groom, and exploit vulnerable children. The complaint asserted multiple violations of the state’s Unfair Practices Act, supported by claims that defendants misrepresented or omitted material facts about the risks their products posed to minors. Motley Rice served as trial counsel for the State of New Mexico.
The state’s final claim against Meta will be a bench trial seeking additional penalties and court-mandated changes (injunctive relief) to Meta’s products to offer better protections for children. Judicial District Court Judge Bryan Biedscheidl will rule on this second phase, which is set to begin on May 4, 2026.
“The State of New Mexico stood up for children and the jury delivered accountability. This decision represents a major step forward for child safety,” said Motley Rice trial attorney Linda Singer, who supported the New Mexico Attorney General.
Other members of the Motley Rice team include David Ackerman, Andrew Arnold, Brendan Austin, Jessica Botto, Wesley Dunkirk, Abby Fu, Max Gruetzmacher, Lisa Hack, Rachel Klink, Katy Lawrimore, Kathleen Lucas, Cindi Marvin, Ridge Mazingo, Donald Migliori, Chelsea Monroe, Lance Oliver, Mike Pendell, Heather Poston, Ann Ritter, Angelica Steele, Cindi Solomon and Theresa Zagnoli.