Meta is attempting to limit the scope of evidence admissible in an upcoming trial in New Mexico, where the company faces accusations of failing to adequately protect children from sexual exploitation on its platforms. Lawyers for Meta are seeking to block the introduction of research concerning social media's impact on youth mental health, accounts of teen suicides linked to social media use, details of Meta's financial standing, the company's history of privacy violations, and information about CEO Mark Zuckerberg's pre-company background, according to public records reviewed by Wired.

These efforts are part of a lawsuit filed by New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez in late 2023, alleging that Meta did not adequately protect minors from online predators, trafficking, and sexual abuse on its platforms, specifically Facebook and Instagram. The lawsuit claims Meta allegedly allowed explicit material to reach minors and failed to implement sufficient child safety measures.

The trial, scheduled to begin on February 2, is considered the first of its kind at the state level. Legal experts cited by Wired noted that it is standard practice for defendants to attempt to narrow the scope of a case. However, they suggested that Meta's efforts to exclude such a broad range of evidence could be viewed as unusually aggressive.

The core of the case revolves around Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which generally shields online platforms from liability for user-generated content. However, the lawsuit argues that Meta's alleged negligence in designing and operating its platforms constitutes an exception to this protection. The plaintiffs contend that Meta's algorithms and features, such as targeted advertising and recommendation systems, actively contribute to the exposure of minors to harmful content.

Meta has consistently maintained that it prioritizes the safety and well-being of its users, particularly minors, and that it invests heavily in technologies and policies to combat online exploitation. The company points to features like age verification tools, content moderation systems, and reporting mechanisms as evidence of its commitment to child safety. However, critics argue that these measures are insufficient and that Meta's algorithms continue to prioritize engagement and profit over user safety.

The outcome of the New Mexico trial could have significant implications for Meta and other social media companies, potentially setting a precedent for future litigation related to child safety and online exploitation. It could also influence the ongoing debate about the scope of Section 230 and the responsibilities of online platforms in protecting their users. The trial is expected to draw considerable attention from legal experts, policymakers, and advocacy groups concerned with online safety.