Meta warns of New Mexico platform shutdown ahead of child safety injunction trial

Meta Platforms warned a New Mexico state court it may cease operations of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp in the state if forced to implement attorney general demands from the ongoing child safety litigation.

The filing precedes a bench trial next week on public nuisance claims following a March jury verdict imposing $375 million in penalties for Unfair Trade Practices Act violations. Prosecutors seek injunctions including 99% accuracy in identifying child sexual abuse material and rigorous age verification for minors.

Meta argued the requirements prove technologically unfeasible without custom state-specific apps, infringing due process rights through vagueness. Compliance would necessitate end-to-end encryption bans for minors and enhanced moderation unattainable under current systems.

Attorney General Raúl Torrez launched the suit in 2023 after undercover probes documented solicitations on fabricated child profiles. The jury found Meta misled users on platform safety while prioritizing profits over protections.

Remedies encompass infinite scroll limits, algorithmic demotions of exploitative content, and parental controls. Meta contends such mandates exceed judicial authority and risk broader First Amendment challenges.

State investigators posed as minors, capturing thousands of predatory interactions Meta failed to block. Internal documents revealed executives dismissed harm warnings favoring engagement metrics.

The company plans appeals on the liability verdict while contesting injunction scope. Shutting down services would impact 2.1 million New Mexico users reliant on the platforms for communication and commerce.

Legal experts view the standoff as a test for tech accountability post-Section 230 debates. Similar suits proliferate in California and other states targeting youth harms.

Meta invested billions in safety tools, reporting 90% CSAM detection rates globally. Prosecutors demand state benchmarks exceeding federal standards.

Bench trial Judge Bryan Biedscheid will rule on remedies absent jury. Potential shutdown serves as leverage against overreach claims.

Industry observers anticipate appeals reaching federal courts. The case influences pending multistate actions against Big Tech platforms.

New Mexico positions the outcome as precedent for consumer protections in digital spaces.