SANTA FAITHNew Mexico, USA — Closing arguments were held this Monday in a historic trial in New Mexicowhere the social media conglomerate is accused Goal of deceiving its users regarding the safety of its platforms for minors.
Jurors will take up the case after six weeks of testimony from numerous witnesses, including local professors, psychiatric experts, state investigators, top Goal and whistleblowers who left the company.
This case, which is taking place in a state court in New Mexicois one of the first to go to trial amid a growing wave of litigation involving social media platforms and their impact on children.
The prosecutors of New Mexico they accuse Goal —owner of instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp— of prioritizing profits over the safety of minors, in violation of state consumer protection laws. Concerns have been raised about the security of complex algorithms and various messaging features.
“It is clear that young people spend too much time on consumer products. Goalthey have lost control,” said the prosecutor’s lawyer, Linda Singerduring his final statements. “Goal “He knew it and didn’t reveal it.”
Singer argued that the evidence presented demonstrated that the algorithms Goal recommended harmful content to teenagers and that the company was not effectively enforcing its 13-year-old minimum age policy for users.
“The safety problems you have heard about in this case were not mistakes, but the result of a corporate philosophy that chose growth over child safety,” he emphasized. Singer. “The young people of this state and the country have borne the cost.”
The lawyers of Goal They reject the accusations and maintain that the company has implemented protection measures for teenagers, although they admit that some harmful publications manage to evade their controls.
Singer urged the jury to impose a civil penalty of more than $2 billion against Goalbased on fines of up to $5,000 per violation on two counts of consumer protection violations, considering that there are approximately 208,700 users under the age of 18 in New Mexico.
“For a decade, Goal has repeatedly failed to act honestly and transparently and to protect the youth of this state,” he said. Singer. “You guys need to put an end to this.”
A second phase of the trial will determine whether Goal created a public nuisance and whether it should take financial responsibility to fund programs that address harm to minors.
The attorney general Raul Torrez filed the lawsuit in 2023, accusing Goal of creating an environment that facilitates the sexual exploitation of minors, without disclosing information about the harmful effects. State investigators created mock social media accounts to document online sexual requests and response Goal.
The lawyers of Goal They argue that the company is transparent with users about its efforts to combat child sexual abuse material and accuse prosecutors of skewing evidence and conducting poor investigations.
Executives of Goal They have emphasized that the company is constantly improving in terms of security, addressing the compulsive use of social networks without compromising users’ freedom of expression.
However, the prosecution stressed that public security guarantees made by executives of Goalas Mark Zuckerberg and Adam Mosserioften do not coincide with internal studies and company communications.
“One in three adolescents experienced problematic use,” revealed Singer. “They knew these kids were struggling with addiction.”
A jury composed of county residents Santa Fea progressive-leaning region, will decide whether Goal violated the state’s Unfair Practices Act on two counts, including unacceptable business practices. If intentional violations are found, fines of up to $5,000 per violation could be imposed, which could result in billions of dollars in penalties.
Technology companies have been protected from liability for content posted on their platforms under Section 230 of the US Communications Decency Act and the First Amendment. However, prosecutors clarify that they are not seeking to hold responsible Goal not for the content itself, but for its role in spreading potentially addictive and harmful content for minors through its algorithms.
In Californiaa jury is already deliberating on the responsibility of Goal and YouTube regarding harm caused to children using its platforms, a case that could influence thousands of similar lawsuits against social media companies.
Quick reading
What is being judged?
It is judged if Goal misled its users about the security of its platforms for minors.
Who is involved?
The trial involves Goal and the prosecutor’s office New Mexico.
When did the trial take place?
The trial began with closing arguments on March 23, 2026.
Where is the trial held?
In a state court in New Mexico.
Why is it important?
It is one of the first cases to address the impact of social networks on the safety of minors.
