Jurors weigh evidence in high-stakes Meta trial about social media risks to children

"State prosecutors allege Meta failed to disclose the risks that its platforms pose for children, including mental health problems and sexual exploitation."

"Meta's attorneys have said the company has built-in protections for teenagers and weeds out harmful content but acknowledges some dangerous content gets past its safety nets."

"If jurors later find that Meta violated New Mexico's consumer protection laws, prosecutors say sanctions could add up to billions of dollars."

"A slated second phase of the trial would determine whether Meta created a public nuisance with its social media platforms and should pay for public programs to fix matters."

In a New Mexico case, prosecutors allege that Meta did not disclose the risks its platforms, including Instagram and Facebook, pose to children, such as mental health issues and sexual exploitation. Meta's attorneys argue that the company has protections in place for teenagers, although some harmful content still reaches users. The trial, which has lasted six weeks, could result in billions in sanctions if Meta is found to have violated consumer protection laws. A second phase may address whether Meta created a public nuisance requiring financial reparations.

Read at Fast Company