A New Mexico judge has ordered Meta to pay $25 billion in penalties for misleading residents about user privacy, data protection, and content moderation. The ruling stems from a 2021 lawsuit tied to the legacy of the Cambridge Analytica scandal, though the case focused on Facebook’s ongoing statements rather than the data harvesting itself. A Santa Fe jury found Meta violated the state’s Unfair Practices Act, counting 43 million violations—each potentially worth up to $5,000.
Attorney General Raúl Torrez called the decision a milestone in holding Big Tech accountable. The state had sought between $35 billion and $40 billion, while Meta argued for no more than $3.45 billion. Judge Francis Mathew condemned Facebook’s post-scandal reforms as "willfully ineffective" and cited the "intentional and systematic nature" of its misstatements.
This case is separate from a recent $459 million settlement with other states over child safety and Cambridge Analytica claims. New Mexico opted out, leading to this trial. The $25 billion penalty, with 15% annual interest, will fund the state’s public school system. Meta plans to appeal, with C.J. Mahoney calling the ruling "a tax on speech."
Source: Engadget · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing