Meta Threatens to Withdraw Apps from New Mexico Amid Legal Dispute
Meta says it may withdraw its apps from New Mexico if judge agrees to the state's demands
Engadget
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Meta Platforms, Inc. has warned it may withdraw its apps from New Mexico if a judge agrees to the state's demands for enhanced child safety measures. This follows a jury ruling that held Meta liable for $375 million over its failure to protect minors from online predators. The upcoming trial will determine if Meta caused a public nuisance.
- 01Meta may withdraw its apps from New Mexico if the court agrees with state demands.
- 02A jury previously held Meta liable for $375 million for failing to protect child users.
- 03New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez criticized Meta's threat as a public relations stunt.
- 04The state is seeking changes to Meta's platform, including age verification and predator removal.
- 05Meta argues that the state's demands are impractical and infringe on free speech.
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Meta Platforms, Inc. has issued a warning that it may withdraw its applications from New Mexico if a judge supports the state's demands aimed at enhancing child safety on its platforms. This warning comes after a Santa Fe jury found Meta liable for $375 million in damages due to its failure to safeguard minors from online predators. The upcoming phase of the trial, set for May 4, will see New Mexico District Judge Bryan Biedscheid evaluate whether Meta has caused a 'public nuisance' and if it should fund state programs addressing this issue. New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez has labeled Meta's threat as a 'PR stunt,' emphasizing that the company has the capability to implement the requested changes, which include age verification and removing harmful users. Meta contends that the state's demands are overly broad and would violate free speech, arguing that it would not be economically feasible to create separate apps for New Mexico residents.
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If Meta withdraws its apps, New Mexico residents could lose access to popular social media platforms, impacting communication and business.
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