Everything you need to know about the Meta trial that could reshape social media
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The landmark trial is entering its second phase, following an earlier jury verdict that already found Meta liable and imposed hundreds of millions of dollars in penalties.
A landmark trial in New Mexico is entering a decisive second phase that could fundamentally change how social media platforms operate worldwide.
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State prosecutors are asking a judge to force Mark Zuckerberg's Meta, the parent company of Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp, to overhaul key parts of its platforms - including the algorithms that decide what users see - over claims they harm children's mental health and enable exploitation.
The case follows a major jury verdict that already found the company liable and imposed $375 million (roughly €320 million) in penalties.
It also comes amid growing international scrutiny. Last week, the European Commission said around 10-12% of children under 13 are using Instagram and Facebook, raising concerns that Meta’s age checks are ineffective.
Here’s what you need to know about the trial.
What is the trial about?
New Mexico prosecutors are taking Meta to court over claims its platforms pose a public safety risk to children. They argue that features on their apps, such as Instagram, have contributed to a mental health crisis among young people and enabled harmful content, including child sexual exploitation.
Opening statements mark the second phase of the trial, which will determine whether the platforms amount to a "public nuisance" under state law.
What has already been decided?
In the first phase of the trial, which took place in March, a jury ruled against Meta and ordered $375 million (roughly €320 million) in civil penalties.
Jurors determined in their decision that Meta engaged in "unconscionable" trade practices that unfairly took advantage of the vulnerabilities and the inexperience of children.
The jurors also found there were thousands of violations of the state's Unfair Practices Act, a New Mexico law that protects consumers against unfair business practices.
RelatedA Meta spokesperson told the Associated Press that the company disagrees with the verdict and will appeal.
“We work hard to keep people safe on our platforms and are clear about the challenges of identifying and removing bad actors or harmful content,” the spokesperson said.
"We will continue to defend ourselves vigorously, and we remain confident in our record of protecting teens online.”
What changes are prosecutors demanding now?
Prosecutors want sweeping changes to how Meta’s platforms work. These include redesigning algorithms so they no longer prioritise constant engagement, as well as limiting addictive features like infinite scroll and push notifications.
They are also calling for stronger age verification, default privacy protections for children, and requiring child accounts to be linked to a parent or guardian.
The state is also seeking the appointment of a court-supervised child safety monitor.
Could social media algorithms be affected?
Yes - one of the biggest potential outcomes is a redesign of the systems that recommend content to users.
Prosecutors argue these algorithms currently prioritise engagement over safety, encouraging compulsive use.
What is Meta’s response?
Meta has said it will appeal the earlier verdict and strongly opposes the proposed changes.
The company argues the demands are unrealistic and could force it to "disregard the realities of the internet".
Meta is also invoking free speech protections. "The state’s proposed mandates infringe on parental rights and stifle free expression for all New Mexicans," the company said.
What happens next?
The trial is expected to last three weeks, with testimony from experts, investigators, and Meta executives.
A judge will then decide whether the company must implement the drastic changes requested by prosecutors.
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