New Mexico judge orders Meta to pay $567 million into a child mental health fund | CNN Business

New York —

Meta must pay $567 million into a fund to remedy its role in a youth mental health crisis, on top of a previously decided $375 million in penalties, a New Mexico judge ruled Thursday, comparing the social media giant to polluting factories.

A jury in March had already found Meta liable on all counts in a trial on child safety, including willfully engaging in “unfair and deceptive” and “unconscionable” trade practices. The landmark decision addressed concerns from parents, whistleblowers and lawmakers alike. Meta in that ruling was ordered to pay $375 million in damages.

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez first sued Meta in 2023. He had claimed Meta created a “breeding ground” for child predators on Facebook and Instagram, which the company denied.

CNN has reached out to Meta for comment.