News New Mexico v Meta Shutdown Threat 2026
April 30, 2026 — Meta Platforms, Inc. filed a court brief warning it may be forced to completely withdraw Facebook and Instagram from New Mexico if a state judge orders the company to adopt sweeping new child safety features.
The threat comes in the second phase of a landmark trial that already resulted in $375 million in civil penalties after a jury found Meta knowingly harmed children's mental health and concealed what it knew about child sexual exploitation on its platforms.[1]
Background
The New Mexico case is the first to reach trial among more than 40 state attorneys general who have filed suit against Meta on claims it contributes to a mental health crisis among young people. In March 2026, a Santa Fe jury found Meta willfully violated New Mexico's consumer protection laws.
Proposed Remedies
Prosecutors seek court-ordered changes including:
- Effective age verification with 99% accuracy in confirming users are at least 13 years old
- Removal of addictive features such as infinite scroll and auto-play
- Warning labels about the risks of using its apps
- Permanent bans for adults engaged in child abuse or exploitation
- An independent oversight committee to ensure compliance
Meta's Response
Meta called the demands "technically impractical, impossible for any company to meet and disregard the realities of the internet." The company noted that "it does not make economic or engineering sense for Meta to build separate apps just for New Mexico residents."
New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez responded sharply: "Meta's refusal to follow the laws that protect our kids tells you everything you need to know about this company and the character of its leaders." He added that "Meta simply refuses to place the safety of children ahead of engagement, advertising revenue, and profit."
Next Steps
The bench trial on remedies begins May 4, 2026. The judge — not a jury — will decide what operational changes Meta must implement to protect children on its platforms in New Mexico.
See also: April 30, 2026 Daily Digest | Cases Index