Meta Found Guilty of Failing to Protect Children From Sexual Predators Online
In 2023, New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez sued Meta, accusing it of turning Facebook and Instagram into a “breeding ground” for child predators — failing to protect young users from sexual exploitation.
The AG’s office created fake child profiles on Facebook and Instagram. Those accounts received sexual solicitations from adults. In May 2024, 3 men were arrested — 2 caught at a motel planning to meet a 12-year-old.
A 6-week trial featured explosive testimony. Ex-Meta engineering director Arturo Bejar revealed his own 14-year-old daughter received sexual solicitations on Instagram — and claimed Meta’s algorithms could connect predators directly with children.
Former Meta VP Brian Boland testified safety was “absolutely not a priority” for Mark Zuckerberg. Meta claimed 40,000 employees ensure safety — and mid-trial, announced dropping end-to-end encryption on Instagram chats.
The jury found Meta liable on all counts — including “unfair, deceptive” and “unconscionable” trade practices — ordering $375 million in damages. A historic first: Meta held accountable in a jury trial for child safety failures.
AG Torrez called it a “historic victory for every child.” Meta plans to appeal. A separate case in Los Angeles and hundreds of lawsuits nationwide signal — the legal storm for social media is just beginning.
