Meta Faces Landmark Trial Over Children's Safety on Social Media

Mon Mar 23 2026 22:51:10 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Closing arguments commence in New Mexico's pivotal trial, where Meta is accused of prioritizing profit over child safety across its platforms. Key testimony reveals alarming statistics about youth engagement and harmful content.

In Santa Fe, NM, jury deliberations are set to begin following a pivotal six-week trial against Meta, where the company is alleged to have jeopardized children's safety for profit. The prosecution argues that Meta has failed to safeguard underage users and has knowingly directed harmful content to them. With calls for a steep civil penalty, the case could set a significant precedent for social media regulation regarding child safety.

SANTA FE, N.M. (FlashPoint) — The landmark trial against social media giant Meta has entered its closing argument phase, where jurors will soon deliberate claims that the company has misled its users, particularly children, regarding the safety of its platforms.

The New Mexico state court case is one of the first of its kind in the United States, setting a crucial precedent amidst a rising wave of litigation focused on the impacts of social media on young users.

Prosecutors have accused Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, of prioritizing profits over the safety of minors, violating state consumer protection laws. They allege that Meta’s algorithms perpetuate dangerous and sensational content targeted at teenagers while failing to effectively enforce its age restrictions.

During closing statements, prosecution attorney Linda Singer stated, “Meta has failed over and over again to act honestly and transparently, exposing children to behaviors that lead to addiction.” She urged the jury to impose a civil penalty exceeding $2 billion, reflecting the gravity of the company's alleged violations.

Singer’s assertions detailed that internal research indicated one in three teens dealt with problematic social media usage, suggesting Meta was aware of the harm but chose not to act.

Meta's legal team disputes these claims, emphasizing the company’s commitment to ensuring safety for teenage users. They maintain that while some harmful content might bypass their filters, the company's efforts to create safe online environments are sincere and ongoing.

The trial's outcome not only holds potential financial ramifications for Meta but could also influence regulatory approaches to social media engagement with children nationwide. As the closing arguments conclude, the jury faces the challenge of determining whether Meta's practices constitute a violation of New Mexico’s Unfair Practices Act, which focuses on protecting consumers against unfair trade practices.

Following the jury's decision, a subsequent phase will address whether Meta has contributed financially to the alleged harm that minors have faced due to their platform.