Judge Removes Mark Zuckerberg from Child Safety Lawsuit in New Mexico

A New Mexico judge has granted Mark Zuckerberg's request to be removed from a lawsuit alleging that Meta, his company, has failed to protect young users from exposure to child sexual abuse material. The lawsuit, initiated by New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez following an undercover online investigation, is part of a broader legal action by states, school districts, and parents against Meta over concerns about child exploitation on its social media platforms.

The case echoes allegations from 33 states that Instagram and Facebook use features designed to lure children and contribute to a youth mental health crisis. Despite granting Zuckerberg's removal from the lawsuit, Judge Bryan Biedscheid dismissed Meta's motion to dismiss the state's claims, stating he was not persuaded by the state’s arguments that Zuckerberg should remain a party in the New Mexico lawsuit. The decision may be revisited depending on the evidence presented.