Meta faces New Mexico trial that could force changes to Facebook, other platforms

A trial beginning in New Mexico on Monday could prompt a judge to order sweeping changes to how Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp operate – a move Meta Platforms has warned could force it to withdraw from the state.

The case, which will be tried before a judge in Santa Fe, stems from a lawsuit filed by New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez, a Democrat, accusing the social media giant of designing its products to addict young users and failing to protect children from sexual exploitation on its platforms.