WASHINGTON, DC (March 24, 2026) – The National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE) said that the verdict in a lawsuit (New Mexico v. Meta Platforms) against Meta, finding the social media platform liable for “failing to warn users about the dangers of its platforms and protect children from sexual predators,” is a historic and incredible victory in the fight to hold Big Tech platforms accountable. This is the first major civil lawsuit, jury trial, and victory against a social media company for harming kids.
“Meta failed to address rampant child sexual exploitation on its platforms, and a New Mexico jury found Meta liable for failing to protect children. This is a historic verdict and one that no doubt would have happened without immense pressure from survivor parents and children, courageous leaders, and anti-exploitation advocates. Big Tech platforms that enable child sexual exploitation must be held accountable and this is a monumental step towards making that reality,” said Haley McNamara, Executive Director and Chief Strategy Officer, National Center on Sexual Exploitation.
McNamara, who was deposed as an expert witness in this civil lawsuit, testified about Meta’s failure to rectify harms to children, despite NCOSE repeatedly raising the matter to the company’s attention. She also spoke to Meta’s deceptive practices, failing to disclose any risk of sexual exploitation in its parent guide, and misrepresenting that bullying was the only danger on its platforms. Meta has been on NCOSE’s annual Dirty Dozen List of mainstream contributors to sexual exploitation, and its 2026 Dirty Dozen List will be revealed on March 31, 2026.
Evidence in the case included documents provided by Meta, which showed that over 100,000 children were exploited daily across its platforms.
“We commend New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez and the legal team, including Linda Singer, Donald Migliori, and others, for their diligent and incredible work to hold Meta accountable,” said McNamara.
About National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE)
Founded in 1962, the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE) is the leading national non-profit organization exposing the links between all forms of sexual exploitation such as child sexual abuse, prostitution, sex trafficking and the public health harms of pornography.
To schedule an interview with NCOSE, please contact press@ncose.com.
