New Mexico AG claims ‘victory’ after judge orders Meta to pay $567 million into child mental health funds

SANTA FE, N.M. (KVIA) -- Thursday, a New Mexico court ordered Meta to fund a $567 million abatement program dedicated to addressing the youth mental health crisis, according to the state's Justice Department. The order addresses the state's public nuisance claim against Meta Platforms.

Additionally, a judge ruled Meta must "Delete the accounts and all personal information collected from accounts belonging to a user under 13 years of age."

In addition to a $375 million civil penalty, the abatement program aims to prevent child exploitation, expanding treatment and recovery services and implementing meaningful safety reforms, NMDOJ said.

“This case has always been about protecting children, standing up for families, and making sure that one of the world's largest technology companies cannot profit from practices that endanger young people without consequence,” said New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez. “Today's decision is a victory for every parent who has worried about what social media is doing to their child and every child who deserves to grow up safer online.”

Torrez sued Meta in 2023 and claimed it created a "breeding ground" for child predators on two of its platforms: Facebook and Instagram. Meta denied the claim.

In March, a jury found Meta liable on all counts in a trial on child safety and engaging in unfair trade practices.

Thursday's decision can be read below.