US EditionNew Mexico attorney general says Meta is threatening to pull platforms from state
Meta says the requested reforms are impractical and would force it to shut down Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp for state users, officials said.
- In a court filing unsealed yesterday, Meta warned it might withdraw Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp from New Mexico if a judge imposes requested child-safety mandates, calling the state's demands "so broad and burdensome" that compliance is unfeasible.
- The warning emerges ahead of a bench trial starting Monday where Chief Judge Bryan Biedscheid will decide on injunctive relief, following a March Santa Fe jury verdict finding Meta liable for 75,000 violations and $375 million in penalties.
- Prosecutors are seeking sweeping reforms, including a 99% age-verification standard and a 90-hour monthly access cap for minors, which Meta argues are "technically impractical" while the state maintains the company prioritizes profit over safety.
- New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez dismissed the withdrawal threat as a "PR stunt," arguing the company has the capability to implement safety changes but refuses to place child protection ahead of advertising revenue and engagement.
- As the first state to win a trial against the tech giant, New Mexico's case sets a potential precedent for over 40 other attorneys general pursuing similar child-safety mandates, testing the limits of platform liability nationwide.
43 Articles
43 Articles
Meta raised the possibility of closing its social media services in New Mexico in response to the impulse of state prosecutors to introduce fundamental changes in the company's platforms, including Instagram, in order to protect the mental health and safety of children.
New Mexico Attorney General Says Meta is Threatening to Pull Platforms Over Child Safety Order
Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date. Meta has threatened to remove Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp from New Mexico if a judge sides with the state on court-ordered changes aimed at protecting underage users. Some…
Associated Press News
Meta raises raises specter of shutting down service to New Mexico in legal clash over child safety
The social media conglomerate Meta is raising the prospect of shutting down social media services in New Mexico in response to a push by state prosecutors for fundamental changes to platforms including Instagram to protect the mental health and safety of children.
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