A New Mexico judge has ordered tech giant Meta to pay $567 million for a fund aimed at addressing the 'public nuisance' caused by its social media services. The ruling comes as a continuation of legal action initiated by Attorney General Raul Torrez, seeking compensation for the youth mental health crisis in the state.

In March 2026, a jury found Meta liable for not effectively protecting children from exploitation and ordered civil damages. Judge Bryan Biedscheid stated that 'Meta is a cause of and has substantially contributed to a public nuisance in New Mexico,' with evidence showing an increase in suicide and eating disorders among young people.

The judge’s decision highlights the company's role in exacerbating mental health issues through platform features designed to maximize user engagement, particularly for teenagers. Meta reported $60.8 billion in revenue and $15.85 billion in net income during Q2 2026, but this ruling could set a precedent concerning corporate responsibility in an age of social media overload.

The order to fund mental health treatment is part of Phase 2 of the case, following civil penalties of $375 million already assessed. Judge Biedscheid emphasized that 'New Mexico is experiencing a youth mental health crisis,' burdening public and community resources and overwhelming existing systems for addressing such harms.