Judge questions New Mexico's broad safety overhaul demands on Meta after child protection ruling

A New Mexico judge expressed concern Monday that the state's proposed safety reforms for Instagram and Facebook might be excessive. The attorney general seeks up to $3.7 billion in penalties and major changes after a jury found Meta failed to protect children from sexual predators. The judge emphasized his role is not to act as a regulator but to ensure remedies address proven harms without overstepping. Meta argues the state's demands are impractical and has threatened to block access to the apps in New Mexico if forced to comply. The case will determine if Meta's failures constitute a public nuisance and which safety measures are appropriate.