SANTA FE, N.M. — The judge in the second trial between Meta Platforms and the New Mexico Department of Justice denied Meta’s request for a directed verdict.

Meta’s attorneys requested the verdict to try and argue the state didn’t meet its burden of proof in phase two of the case. However, Judge Bryan Biedscheid “quickly” denied that and ordered the trial to continue.

New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez celebrated the ruling as a major win.

“The Court made clear today that this case deserves to move forward and we will continue fighting to hold Meta accountable for the harm its platforms are causing to New Mexico children,” Torrez stated.

The state sued Meta over claims that it doesn’t protect kids from online predators. After winning the first trial in March, they’re in a trial centered on what action Meta needs to take.

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