New Mexico Sues Meta Platforms

A trial has begun in Mexico against Meta Platforms, stemming from a lawsuit filed by Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez. The state accuses Meta Platforms of designing its platforms, including Meta Platforms, Meta Platforms — Instagram, and Meta Platforms — WhatsApp, to be addictive for young users and failing to protect children from sexual exploitation. This second phase of the lawsuit follows a March jury finding that Meta Platforms violated consumer protection law, resulting in a $375 million damages order. The current trial, presided over by Judge Bryan Biedscheid, will determine if Meta Platforms' platforms constitute a 'public nuisance' under Mexico law. If found guilty, the judge could order sweeping changes, such as mandatory age verification, algorithm redesigns to promote quality content for minors, and the cessation of autoplay and infinite scrolling for minors. Mexico is also seeking billions of dollars in additional damages to fund a 15-year mental health plan. Meta Platforms has denied the claims, stating it has already implemented safety measures and that the proposed changes are technologically impractical or impossible, potentially forcing it to withdraw from Mexico. The case is being closely watched as it could set a precedent for numerous similar lawsuits across the United States.