Meta is asking a New Mexico judge to exclude research on social media and youth mental health from its upcoming child safety trial. The company filed motions to block references to a US surgeon general’s advisory, a teen suicide case, and its own financial resources. These pretrial requests aim to keep the jury focused narrowly on whether Meta violated the state's Unfair Practices Act.

The lawsuit, filed by New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez, alleges Meta failed to protect minors from sexual exploitation on Facebook and Instagram. State investigators created fake underage accounts and reported receiving explicit messages and algorithmically amplified pornographic content. Meta’s spokesperson called the state’s arguments "sensationalist" and highlighted its Teen Accounts and parental tools as evidence of its commitment to safety.

Legal scholars note Meta’s requests are unusually aggressive, seeking to exclude even mentions of its AI chatbots. The case could set a precedent for how tech platforms are held accountable for youth safety. The outcome will likely influence future legislation and shape the industry’s approach to content moderation and algorithmic transparency for minors.