Meta faces New Mexico trial that could force sweeping changes to Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp

Tags Policy · Consumer

A landmark trial begins Monday May 4 in Santa Fe, New Mexico before a judge, where the state seeks billions in damages and sweeping platform design changes to protect minors on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. In March 2026, a jury already ordered Meta to pay $375M in civil penalties for violating consumer protection law in Phase 1 of the case. Now Phase 2 focuses on 'public nuisance' claims and operational remedies. Meta has argued in court filings that complying with proposed changes would force it to 'build entirely separate apps for use only in New Mexico' or withdraw from the state entirely. New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez is leading the case, with over 40 states having similar lawsuits pending. This trial could set a landmark precedent for how social media platforms are regulated at the state level in the U.S.