Meta is preparing to defend itself in a high-stakes trial in New Mexico where the state is seeking changes to the company's platforms and alleging they cause harm to young users. The case represents one of several major legal challenges facing the social media giant regarding youth safety on its platforms.

The New Mexico lawsuit is proceeding as a public nuisance case with potential billion-dollar financial consequences for Meta. State officials are seeking court-ordered changes to how Meta operates its platforms, particularly regarding protections for younger users.

Meta is simultaneously facing a broader wave of litigation across the country. The company is scheduled to appear in California federal court this summer as part of federal multidistrict litigation designed to consolidate more than 2,400 lawsuits into streamlined "bellwether" cases. These suits have been filed by school districts, state attorneys general, and individual plaintiffs.

The consolidated federal litigation represents an effort by the courts to efficiently handle the massive volume of cases against Meta and other social media companies. The outcome of these bellwether trials could influence how hundreds of similar cases are resolved.

The legal challenges come amid growing scrutiny of social media companies' impact on young users' mental health and safety. Meta has faced increasing pressure from lawmakers, regulators, and advocacy groups to implement stronger protections for minors on its platforms including Facebook and Instagram.