Home / Business and Economy / New Mexico Jury Slams Meta in $219 Billion Verdict
New Mexico Jury Slams Meta in $219 Billion Verdict
27 Sep
Summary
- Meta Platforms found liable for willfully deceiving users on privacy.
- Jury determined over 43 million violations affecting New Mexico's population.
- State seeks up to $5,000 per violation for a potential $219 billion penalty.
A New Mexico jury has delivered a significant legal blow to Meta Platforms, finding the social media giant liable for willfully deceiving Facebook users about privacy and platform policies. This ruling is a direct consequence of the 2018 Cambridge Analytica scandal, where user data was improperly accessed.
The trial concluded after two weeks, with jurors determining that Meta engaged in over 43 million violations, impacting every resident of New Mexico. The state's Attorney General highlighted the verdict as a historic moment for holding Big Tech accountable.
New Mexico is now seeking a penalty of up to $5,000 for each violation. This could result in a theoretical maximum penalty of $219 billion. Meta has denied wrongdoing, stating its commitment to transparency and its intention to continue defending its record.
This verdict adds to Meta's recent legal challenges. The company is facing numerous lawsuits and has recently agreed to substantial settlements related to child safety and data privacy across the United States. The outcome in New Mexico, however, proceeded independently of a broader national settlement.
Meta's legal troubles are part of a larger trend of increasing scrutiny on Big Tech's data practices. Other major platforms, including TikTok and Google, have also faced significant allegations and settlements concerning user data privacy.
