For years, investigative journalist Katy McQue has reported on the potential harms Meta’s platforms pose to children. Despite a mountain of evidence compiled by journalists, prosecutors, bereaved families, and others, it has been nearly impossible to bring Meta and other social media companies to court.
Landmark cases in 2026
In 2026, something seems to have changed. Three landmark cases have brought Meta to trial in the US: in New Mexico, which cited McQue's reporting on child sexual exploitation; in California, about mental health harms to young people; and last week, an unprecedented case that Meta settled for $18bn.
A new argument based on design
In all three cases, prosecutors appear to have found a new way to argue against Meta—an argument based not on the content it publishes, but on the very design of its platforms.
