Statement on Landmark Meta Trial Verdict in New Mexico

SAN FRANCISCO, March 24, 2026—Common Sense Media Founder and CEO James P. Steyer issued the following statement on the verdict of a New Mexico trial in which a jury found that Meta failed to safeguard its family of apps, including Facebook and Instagram, from child predators:

"Common Sense Media congratulates Attorney General Raúl Torrez for bringing this case forward. This landmark ruling is a major win for kids, for families, and for holding tech companies like Meta accountable. It's a validation of what we at Common Sense Media have known for years: that many of our kids' favorite apps have become hunting grounds for predators.

"Let's be clear: Meta wouldn't have been on trial if it had been proactive about protecting our children's safety to begin with. Instead, it chose to ignore obvious child safety threats for the sake of padding its bottom line.

"This verdict, along with the ongoing trial of Meta and Google in California, should embolden policymakers to hold tech companies responsible for designing products that endanger our children's mental health and well-being.

"The momentum is on our side, and we will keep working with lawmakers to advance and enact stronger laws that protect kids from the proven risks of social media and AI."

About Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the research-backed information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the age of apps, algorithms, and AI. We rate, educate, and advocate to protect and prepare kids online. Our ratings, research, and resources reach more than 150 million users globally, over 1.4 million educators, and more than 100,000 schools worldwide every year. Learn more at commonsense.org.