{"id":2597690,"date":"2026-05-01T12:25:01","date_gmt":"2026-05-01T16:25:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/meta-threatens-to-shut-down-apps-in-new-mexico-amid-child-safety-court-case\/"},"modified":"2026-05-01T12:26:35","modified_gmt":"2026-05-01T16:26:35","slug":"meta-threatens-to-shut-down-apps-in-new-mexico-amid-child-safety-court-case","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/meta-threatens-to-shut-down-apps-in-new-mexico-amid-child-safety-court-case\/","title":{"rendered":"Meta threatens to shut down apps in New Mexico amid child safety court case"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">28<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fmeta-threatens-to-shut-down-apps-in-new-mexico-amid-child-safety-court-case%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2597690&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>Meta says it may have too shut down Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp in New Mexico as teh state\u2019s court demands-especially <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >requiring 99% accurate age verification<\/a> that users are at least 13-are \u201ctechnically impractical.\u201d The statement comes as a second phase of the case is set to begin with a bench trial.  <\/p>\n<p>New Mexico\u2019s attorney general, Raul Torrez, is seeking court-ordered safeguards such as warning labels about risks and restrictions on adults who exploit children, arguing Meta is refusing to protect kids and is rather treating the issue as public-relations strategy. Meta, while maintaining Torrez\u2019s demands can\u2019t realistically be met, also warns that if a workable solution isn\u2019t reached, it may remove platform access for all state users.  <\/p>\n<p>The dispute follows a prior March ruling where a new Mexico jury ordered Meta to pay a $375 million fine for violating state consumer-protection laws, and it remains to be seen whether the state can secure further penalties and mandated platform changes next week.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<article class=\"fn-body\">\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/meta\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"8910\">M<\/a><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/meta\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"8910\">e<\/a><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/meta\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"8910\">ta<\/a> is threatening to shut down its apps in <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/new-mexico\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"769\">New Mexico<\/a> as the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/social-media\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"433\">social media<\/a> giant battles state Attorney General Raul Torrez and his \u201cimpossible obligations\u201d in court over its platforms\u2019 alleged harms to the mental health and safety of children.<\/p>\n<p>In a court filing on Thursday, the company said a requirement to verify with 99% accuracy that minors using Instagram, Facebook, or WhatsApp are at least 13 years old is not doable.<\/p>\n<section class=\"explore-more-section\" id=\"wex-recommended-widget\">\n<div class=\"magazine-container single\">\n<h1 class=\"magazine-title mt-2\">Recommended Stories<\/h1>\n<p>             <i class=\"fa-solid fa-play icon\"><\/i>         <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-grid\">\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/business\/4549887\/brendan-carr-fcc-review-disney-broadcast-license-dei-kimmel\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>Carr says FCC review of Disney\u2019s broadcast licenses is about DEI, not Kimmel\u2019s Trump jokes<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/business\/4549895\/hassett-talk-spirit-bailout-ongoing\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>Hassett says talks of Spirit bailout are \u2018ongoing\u2019<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/justice\/4547143\/oxycontin-purdue-pharma-dissolve-settlement\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma set to dissolve after judge approves sentence<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p>\u201cAs a practical matter, this requirement effectively requires Meta to shut down its services \u2014 for all users in the state \u2014 or else comply with impossible obligations,\u201d Meta said.<\/p>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p>The admission came days before the second phase of the court case starts. A bench trial, which is conducted without a jury, is set to start this coming Monday.<\/p>\n<p>The New Mexico Department of Justice is seeking court-ordered reforms, including warning labels about platform risks and a ban on adults engaging in child exploitation on top of enhanced age verification.<\/p>\n<p>Meta\u2019s threat to revoke social media access in the state altogether was not taken lightly by Torrez. His office accused the company of manufacturing a \u201cPR stunt\u201d instead of implementing basic changes to protect children.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMeta is showing the world how little it cares about child safety,\u201d Torrez <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/nmdoj.gov\/press-release\/statement-from-new-mexico-attorney-general-raul-torrez-on-metas-refusal-to-protect-children\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/nmdoj.gov\/press-release\/statement-from-new-mexico-attorney-general-raul-torrez-on-metas-refusal-to-protect-children\/\">said in a statement<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMeta\u2019s 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,\u201d Torrez added. \u201cWe know Meta has the ability to make these changes. For years the company has rewritten its own rules, redesigned its products, and even bent to the demands of dictators to preserve market access. This is not about technological capability. Meta simply refuses to place the safety of children ahead of engagement, advertising revenue, and profit.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In response, Meta reiterated that Torrez\u2019s demands are \u201ctechnically impractical\u201d and claimed the Democratic attorney general is preoccupied with targeting one <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/big-tech-under-more-fire-for-removing-president-trumps-accounts\/\" title=\"Big Tech under more fire for removing President Trump\u2019s accounts\">social media company<\/a> over \u201chundreds of other apps\u201d used by teenagers today.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhile it is not in Meta\u2019s interests to do so, if a workable solution to Attorney General Torrez\u2019s demands is not reached, we may have no choice but to remove access to its platforms for users in New Mexico entirely,\u201d a Meta spokesperson said.<\/p>\n<p>In March, a New Mexico jury ordered Meta to pay a <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/justice\/4502629\/meta-pay-375-million-harming-children-new-mexico-lawsuit\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/justice\/4502629\/meta-pay-375-million-harming-children-new-mexico-lawsuit\/\">$375 million fine<\/a> in civil penalties after finding that the company was liable for knowingly violating the state\u2019s Unfair Practices Act. Meta vowed to appeal that ruling.<\/p>\n<p>New Mexico became the first state to succeed in a court case against Meta over its apps\u2019 alleged harms against children. Shortly thereafter, <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/california\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"60\">California<\/a> found Meta and YouTube liable for negligence regarding <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/former-flack-for-gop-russia-stooge-finds-redemption-as-lincoln-project-damage-control-adviser\/\" title=\"Former Flack for GOP Russia Stooge Finds Redemption as Lincoln Project Damage Control Adviser\">social media addiction<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>It remains to be seen if New Mexico will succeed again when the legal battle continues next week.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/policy\/technology\/4548156\/eu-accuses-meta-underage-users-social-media\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/policy\/technology\/4548156\/eu-accuses-meta-underage-users-social-media\/\">EU ACCUSES META OF FAILING TO KEEP UNDERAGE USERS OFF SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u201cIn the next phase of this legal proceeding, we will <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/meta-ordered-to-pay-375-million-for-harming-children-in-new-mexico-case\/\" title=\"... ordered to pay 5 million for harming ... in New ... ...\">seek additional financial penalties<\/a> and court-mandated changes to Meta\u2019s platforms that offer stronger protections for children,\u201d Torrez said after the March ruling.<\/p>\n<p>The presiding judge will determine whether Meta created a public nuisance and, if it did, whether it should fund public programs to help alleviate the alleged harms to children.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Meta may shut apps in New Mexico over child-safety lawsuit<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2159,"featured_media":2597691,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AP26031031302933.jpg?w=696","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[78946,69763,72171,78302],"class_list":["post-2597690","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-app-regulation","tag-child-safety-2","tag-social-media-2","tag-tech-policy-2"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AP26031031302933.jpg?w=696","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2597690","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2159"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2597690"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2597690\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2597694,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2597690\/revisions\/2597694"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2597691"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2597690"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2597690"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2597690"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}