New Mexico Jury Convicts Meta of Deceiving Users in Cambridge Analytica Data Breach

Key points

• Jury in Santa Fe ruled Facebook liable for over 2 million violations of consumer protection laws.
• The case centered on a third-party quiz that harvested data from 87 million profiles, sold to Cambridge Analytica.
• Meta disagreed with the verdict, citing First Amendment rights and free speech principles.
• New Mexico is the only state pursuing this case after Meta settled a multistate lawsuit in August.

Background

This verdict follows Meta's August settlement of up to $18 billion for child safety issues, which included a clause releasing the company from future liability for the Cambridge Analytica breach. New Mexico also won $942 million in a separate trial regarding minor safety protections earlier this year.

How outlets are covering it

CBS News and AP reported the jury's verdict and the state's demand for maximum penalties. Meta's spokesperson disputed the findings, emphasizing free speech rights. The Santa Fe New Mexican covered the trial proceedings but did not detail the final verdict in the provided text.

Why it matters

The verdict sets a precedent for holding tech companies accountable for data privacy violations, potentially influencing future litigation against Big Tech across the United States.

What to watch

A judge will determine the financial penalties, with New Mexico seeking up to $5,000 per violation. Meta may appeal the decision.