New Mexico Jury Finds Facebook Liable for Deceptive Privacy Practices

• •New Mexico jury found Facebook liable for 43 million consumer protection violations.
• •The case centers on deceptive practices related to the Cambridge Analytica data breach.
• •Potential penalties could exceed $200 billion, with the state seeking maximum fines.

A New Mexico jury has found Facebook liable for over 43 million violations of consumer protection laws related to user privacy. The trial, which lasted two weeks, focused on accusations that Facebook deceived users regarding a data breach linked to a third-party personality quiz that harvested data from approximately 87 million profiles and sold it to Cambridge Analytica. The jury sided with prosecutors, asserting that Facebook's actions impacted the entire population of New Mexico, which exceeds two million residents. The state is seeking a maximum penalty of $5,000 per violation, leading to potential penalties exceeding $200 billion. Facebook's spokesperson stated the company disagrees with the verdict and plans to appeal, arguing that the evidence presented was outdated. The case is significant as it marks a rare instance of a state pursuing legal action against Meta following a broader settlement that released the company from future liability regarding the Cambridge Analytica breach. The outcome of the case could have implications for Facebook's financial standing, although the extent of the impact remains uncertain.