Meta begins arguments against case brought by the New Mexico Department of Justice

Added: 2026-05-22

[00:00:00]But fighting back in a court case that could change the way it does business in New Mexico, the company behind Instagram and Facebook is now making its points as to why they shouldn't be deemed a public nuisance. News 13's Jessica Baron has the details.

[00:00:15]The state rested its case yesterday. Now attorneys for Meta are defending the social media company arguing against sweeping rules and a potential multi-billion dollar fine the New Mexico Department of Justice is asking for.

[00:00:28]The thing that I don't think the state can have is both a broad injunctive program changing Meta's platforms and monetary relief to pay for treatment that does not actually abate and stop the harms that the state is alleging need to be addressed through the injunctive terms.

[00:00:44]These are personal injury damages.

[00:00:48]It's the midway point in the second civil case New Mexico is leading against Meta after a historic win in March when a jury decided the social media company was misleading users about its safety features, putting kids in harm. The judge denied at Meta's request today for a directed verdict which could have immediately ended the trial. Opening its defense, the company's head of child safety policy, Ravi Sinha, took the stand denying the state's claims that their platforms are unsafe.

[00:01:19]We're always trying to get better. We're always trying to improve. Um but I think it's unfair to the people who work on this to condemn that work because it's not perfect. It's just never going to be perfect. It's an extremely difficult societal level problem that we are um working urgently uh to combat.

[00:01:39]Meta also called an Instagram employee to the stand to argue against requirements the state wants including a push notification restrictions and limiting infinite scrolling. The company argues there are already features in place to limit those things for younger users. is expected.

[00:01:56]Meta's expected to finish presenting its case by May 22nd, which would be followed by closing arguments from both sides. Back to you.

[00:02:04]There's no jury in this case, meaning the judge will have the final say in the trial as to whether or not Meta will face restrictions.