Meta Warns of New Mexico Exit for Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp Over $375 Million Ruling
Meta warns it may pull Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp from New Mexico after a $375 million ruling over child safety lapses.
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Meta has warned it may block access to Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp in the US state of New Mexico, escalating a legal battle over child safety on its platforms, according to The Guardian. The warning came in a recent court filing after a jury found the company liable in a landmark case brought by New Mexico’s attorney general. The court imposed civil penalties of $375 million, saying the company had misled users about safety and allowed harms including child sexual exploitation.
The case now moves into a second stage, known as the remedies phase, beginning May 4. This phase will determine what operational and product level changes Meta must implement.
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Meta Pushes Back on Rules:
According to the filing, the company argues that the proposed reforms are impractical and could require it to build separate versions of its apps specifically for New Mexico users. Meta described this as complex and costly, adding that it may have no choice but to withdraw services from the state if such measures are enforced.
New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez pushed back on the warning, calling it a “public relations stunt.” He said Meta has the technical ability to introduce stronger safety measures but has failed to prioritise child protection over profits.
The state is seeking stricter safeguards across platforms, including stronger age verification systems, limits on harmful content recommendations, clearer warning labels about risks, and tighter controls to prevent child exploitation. Proposals also include restrictions on encrypted messaging for minors and independent oversight of platform practices.
Meta has criticised the approach, arguing it unfairly targets a single company while overlooking other apps widely used by teenagers. The company also maintained that users voluntarily choose its platforms, rejecting claims that its services constitute a public nuisance.
The outcome of the hearings, expected to run for about three weeks, could set a precedent for how tech platforms are regulated at the state level in the US. For brands and advertisers, any disruption to Facebook, Instagram or WhatsApp in a regional market raises immediate concerns around reach, targeting and campaign continuity.
For users, particularly younger audiences, the case underscores growing scrutiny over platform safety and data practices. More broadly, it signals a shift toward stricter accountability for social media companies, with potential ripple effects across markets and regulators globally.
