Meta ordered to pay $567 million into abatement fund as remedy to child harms case in New Mexico
A judge in New Mexico ordered Meta to pay $567 million into an abatement fund after a jury ruled the company violated the state’s unfair practices act.
Meta has been ordered to pay $567 million into a New Mexico abatement fund as a remedy for alleged child harms caused by its apps, following a public nuisance trial. The ruling comes on top of $375 million in earlier civil penalties imposed on the company for violating New Mexico's unfair practices act. The second phase of the trial determined if Meta's actions created a public nuisance, leading to potential product changes.
Judge Bryan Biedscheid highlighted the lack of mental health programs and services in New Mexico, noting expert testimony linking social media to the youth mental health crisis. Most of the $567 million is earmarked for treatment, awareness, prevention, screening, assessment, referrals, and coordination, as well as implementation, quality improvement, and evaluation.
Meta's spokesperson expressed disagreement with the ruling and plans to appeal, emphasizing the company's commitment to keeping users safe on its platforms.
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