Meta Platforms faces a $25 billion penalty in New Mexico over claims involving user privacy and personal data. A judge approved the penalty after a jury found that Facebook violated the state’s consumer protection law.
However, Meta has challenged the decision and plans to appeal. The ruling, announced on October 21, 2026, marks a major development in the company’s ongoing legal battles.
Jury Finds Millions of Violations
The case focuses on concerns about Facebook’s privacy practices. It also examines the company’s handling of harmful content on its platform.
New Mexico filed the lawsuit in 2021. Officials accused Meta of misleading users about who could access their personal information.
The case also raised concerns about misinformation and hate speech. Moreover, it followed scrutiny over the Cambridge Analytica scandal. The British political consulting firm obtained personal information from millions of Facebook users without their consent.
During the trial, jurors reviewed 29 statements made by Facebook and its leadership. They found 26 statements misleading. Consequently, they identified around 43.9 million violations of the state’s Unfair Practices Act.
Judge Sets $25 Billion Penalty
State law allows civil penalties of up to $5,000 for each violation. Based on that limit, the potential penalty could have exceeded $219 billion.
However, Judge Francis Mathew reduced the amount to $25 billion. New Mexico officials welcomed the decision and highlighted the importance of corporate accountability.
They argued that Facebook misrepresented its privacy protections. Furthermore, they said the company failed to explain how third-party applications could access users’ personal information.
Meta Plans to Appeal
Meta rejected the ruling and intends to challenge it in court. The company described the penalty as excessive and argued that it could make doing business in New Mexico difficult.
Meanwhile, the case adds to growing scrutiny of major technology companies. Regulators worldwide continue examining how these platforms collect, manage and protect personal data.
The appeal could determine whether the penalty remains in place. It may also influence future consumer protection cases involving technology companies and online privacy.
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