Judge rules Meta caused "public nuisance" and must fund mental health treatment
Summary
A New Mexico judge ordered Meta to pay $567 million to help treat youth mental health problems caused by its social media platforms. This payment is in addition to $375 million Meta must pay for violating state laws related to child safety and misleading parents.Key Facts
- The judge ruled Meta caused a “public nuisance” by contributing to a youth mental health crisis in New Mexico.
- The crisis involves increased suicide and eating disorders among teens.
- Meta’s platforms, like Facebook and Instagram, were found to have features designed to keep users, especially teens, engaged for longer times.
- Meta must fund a mental health program including treatment, screening, prevention, and other related costs over five years.
- The $567 million fund breaks down into $420 million for treatment and $90 million for screening and assessment.
- The judge decided against requiring Meta to build new health centers, focusing instead on funding treatments and programs.
- Meta also has to pay $375 million in civil penalties from an earlier jury decision for violating consumer protection laws.
- New Mexico’s Attorney General Raul Torrez led the lawsuit against Meta, aiming to protect children from harm linked to social media use.
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