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New Mexico jury finds Facebook liable for over 43 million violations of consumer protection law
fortune.com • • business
Key Points:
- A New Mexico jury found Meta (Facebook) liable for over 43 million violations of state consumer protection laws related to deceptive practices about a data breach involving Cambridge Analytica, affecting over two million residents.
- The trial focused on Facebook's misleading statements about protecting user data and investigations into third-party apps harvesting data, but the jury did not find sufficient evidence that Facebook made false claims about removing harmful content.
- Meta disputes the verdict, calling the evidence outdated, and emphasizes its commitment to free expression and user data control; the company also highlighted policy adaptations since the lawsuit was filed in 2021.
- If the judge imposes the maximum $5,000 penalty per violation, Meta could face fines exceeding $200 billion, though experts doubt such penalties will meaningfully impact the company’s operations or behavior.
- The judge will determine penalties on October 1, with any awarded funds earmarked for New Mexico’s education system; the state also seeks an injunction to prevent future deceptive practices by Meta.
