New Mexico Jury Rules Meta Misled Residents on Data Privacy

Jury Finds Meta in Violation

A New Mexico jury has ruled that Meta violated the state's Unfair Practices Act. The jury concluded that Meta misled residents about their data privacy practices and how the company manages misinformation on its platforms.

Background of the Lawsuit

The trial resulted from a 2021 lawsuit filed by the state of New Mexico. This legal action was initiated in response to the Cambridge Analytica scandal, where data from Facebook was used to target political advertising during the 2016 election cycle.

The original lawsuit alleged that Meta misrepresented third-party app access to user data, maintained unclear privacy settings, and falsely claimed equal application of hate speech policies.

Meta's Defense and Previous Settlements

Meta's lawyers acknowledged past mistakes in handling misinformation and privacy but denied selling user data or benefiting from hate speech. The company has faced multiple settlements related to Cambridge Analytica in various regions, including the US, UK, and Australia.

Recently, Meta settled with 47 US states over child safety concerns in an $18 billion agreement, which included a $459 million payment to resolve existing Cambridge Analytica lawsuits. New Mexico and Florida did not participate in that specific part of the settlement, allowing this trial to proceed.

Pending Fine Determination

A judge has not yet determined the amount Meta will be fined as a result of this jury's decision. The company has been asked for comment on the case.