Meta’s choice to appeal a California jury verdict that found the company responsible for harming teenagers gives an early glimpse into what might happen in a similar, but larger, lawsuit in New Mexico.
Meta filed the appeal after a Los Angeles jury found the company responsible for making addictive social media platforms that harmed young users. This appeal does not directly impact the New Mexico case, but legal experts say it shows a strategy Meta is likely to use in every major lawsuit about its platform’s safety.
Here are the key points:
Why is Meta appealing the California verdict?
Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, is challenging a Los Angeles jury’s decision that said it purposely made addictive platforms that harmed teenagers.
Mark Lanier, the lead lawyer for the plaintiffs in the California case against Meta and Google, said the verdict was important because it was the first jury trial of its kind.
“It was not only the first case, but it was a victorious case,” Lanier said, adding that jurors concluded the companies intentionally created addictive platforms and acted with malice.
Lanier said he expects Meta and Google to challenge almost every aspect of the trial, including the strength of the evidence, expert testimony, and the judge’s jury instructions. “They’ll try to throw everything on the wall and hope something sticks,” he said.
How is the New Mexico lawsuit different?
Both lawsuits claim Meta designed products that harm young users, but they cover different areas.
The California case involved claims brought by an individual plaintiff.
The New Mexico attorney general filed the lawsuit on behalf of the public, claiming Meta’s platforms have caused widespread harm to children in the state. Earlier this year, a New Mexico jury awarded the state $375 million in the first phase of the trial.
The second phase, decided by a judge rather than a jury, will determine whether Meta must change how its platforms operate in New Mexico.
Could Meta appeal in New Mexico?
Legal experts say Meta will almost certainly appeal if it gets another ruling against it.
John Day, a New Mexico lawyer following the case, said Meta is expected to challenge any decision against it at every level of the court system. “Meta is going to appeal every rung of the ladder that they can,” Day said, adding that the company could ultimately seek review by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Appeals can take years to conclude, especially in complex cases involving constitutional issues or large financial judgments.
What happens next?
Before an appeal can start, the judge in charge of the second phase of New Mexico’s case must decide on injunctive relief. These are court-ordered steps that could make Meta change its business practices or safety features.
Day said the judge is probably being extra careful because any decision will likely be closely reviewed on appeal.
The New Mexico Department of Justice said it is waiting for the judge’s decision after winning the $375 million judgment in the first phase.
“Following the landmark $375 million judgment in phase one of the New Mexico Department of Justice’s trial against Meta, New Mexico is currently awaiting a decision in phase two, the bench trial, regarding injunctive relief,” the agency said in a statement.
What has Meta said?
Meta declined to be interviewed about the New Mexico lawsuit and directed reporters to statements on its website.
The company has repeatedly denied claims that its platforms are meant to harm young users. Meta says it has added tools and safeguards to improve teen safety and continues to fight these allegations in court.
The California appeal will not determine the outcome of New Mexico’s lawsuit, but it does show how strongly Meta plans to fight the growing number of lawsuits over social media’s impact on children.
