New Mexico judge orders Meta to pay $567 million into child mental health fund

A New Mexico judge has ordered Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, to pay an additional $567 million into a child mental health fund. This ruling, issued on Thursday, August 6, 2026, by Judge Bryan Biedscheid, comes as part of the second phase of a landmark trial. The judge compared Meta's operations to polluting factories, emphasizing the company's role in contributing to a youth mental health crisis.

This latest order is in addition to a $375 million penalty Meta was previously directed to pay after a March 2026 jury verdict. That initial phase of the trial found Meta liable for violating New Mexico's Unfair Practices Act, concluding that its platforms harmed children's mental health and safety and that the company concealed information regarding child sexual exploitation. The more recent ruling specifically addresses the state's public nuisance claim against Meta.

The $567 million is earmarked to remedy the harms caused by Meta's platforms, with a significant portion, $420 million, designated for treatment services for young people. The court also mandated that Meta delete accounts and all personal information collected from users under 13 years of age. Meta has previously stated its disagreement with the jury's verdict and indicated its intent to appeal.