Meta Threatens to Shut Down Facebook & Instagram in New Mexico | AP News

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Meta is considering shutting down Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp in New Mexico in response to a legal challenge from state prosecutors seeking greater protections for children on its platforms. The company raised the possibility in a court filing this week, arguing that complying with the state’s proposed remedies would be technologically and practically infeasible.

The dispute stems from a lawsuit brought by New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez, alleging that Meta failed to adequately protect children from harmful content and predatory behavior on its social media services. A jury found Meta liable in February and assessed a $375 million fine against the company. The current phase of the trial focuses on determining what actions Meta must take to address the identified safety concerns.

According to a court filing, Meta contends that many of the changes requested by the state would require the creation of entirely separate applications specifically for New Mexico users. “Many of the requests are technologically or practically infeasible and would essentially force Meta to build entirely separate apps for use only in New Mexico,” the filing states. The company argues that withdrawing its services from the state is the only feasible way to comply if forced to implement such extensive reforms.

The New Mexico Department of Justice is seeking reforms designed to make Meta’s social networks safer for underage users. Details of the specific proposed remedies have not been widely publicized, but they are expected to include measures aimed at verifying user ages, limiting data collection, and enhancing content moderation.

The case has drawn national attention as a potential test case for broader efforts to hold social media companies accountable for the impact of their platforms on young people’s mental health and safety. Similar lawsuits have been filed in other states, but New Mexico is the first to reach the remedies phase of trial.

The remedies phase of the trial is scheduled to begin on May 4, 2026. If Meta loses this phase, the company will be compelled to implement the reforms ordered by the court or cease operations in New Mexico.

A recording of Meta Founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s deposition was played for jurors on March 4, 2026, in Santa Fe, N.M. (Jim Weber/Santa Fe New Mexican via AP, Pool, File).

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.