New Mexico’s proposed kids safety fixes for Instagram, Facebook may go too far, judge warns
A New Mexico judge expressed concern that the state's proposed safety measures for Instagram and Facebook may constitute judicial overreach, as the court weighs remedies after a jury found Meta failed to protect children. Attorney General Raúl Torrez is seeking extensive changes and up to $3.7 billion in penalties, including age verification and algorithmic reforms. Meta argues the demands are technically impossible and has threatened to block access to its platforms in the state if forced to comply.
- ▪New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez is seeking a major safety overhaul of Instagram and Facebook following a jury finding that Meta failed to protect children from sexual predators.
- ▪The state’s proposed fixes include age verification, safer recommendation algorithms, limits on encrypted messaging for minors, warning labels, and an independent oversight committee.
- ▪Meta claims the state’s demands are technically impractical and impossible to implement, warning it may cut off access to its platforms in New Mexico.
- ▪Judge Bryan Biedscheid emphasized he does not want to act as a 'one-person legislature' and must ensure any court-ordered remedies address proven harms without overreach.
- ▪The jury previously ordered Meta to pay $375 million in damages, and the current phase determines whether Meta’s actions constitute a public nuisance under state law.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Business New Mexico’s proposed kids safety fixes for Instagram, Facebook may go too far, judge warns By Thomas Barrabi Published May 4, 2026, 2:40 p.m. ET The state judge overseeing New Mexico’s attempt to force a safety overhaul of Instagram and Facebook said Monday that he’s worried some of the proposed changes would amount to “overreach.” New Mexico attorney general Raúl Torrez is pushing for extensive changes and up to $3.7 billion in penalties after a state jury ruled last month that Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta had failed to protect kids from sexual predators. Judge Bryan Biedscheid is presiding over a second trial to determine which of those requested remedies are appropriate.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at New York Post.
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