Technology
New Mexico seeks up to $40 billion penalty from Meta in privacy lawsuit
New Mexico state lawyers asked a judge to penalize Meta up to $40 billion following a jury verdict, according to Slashdot.
The short version
- New Mexico requested $35 billion to $40 billion in penalties after a jury found Meta misled Facebook users over data privacy.[Slashdot]
- The lawsuit arises from the Cambridge Analytica data harvesting scandal and a September 25 jury verdict.[Slashdot]
- Meta argued the requested fine is unconstitutionally excessive and asked the judge to cap penalties at $3.45 billion.[Slashdot]
- Judge Francis Mathew will determine the final financial penalty amount Meta must pay.[Slashdot]
Key facts
- New Mexico requested between $35 billion and $40 billion in penalties after a jury found Meta misled consumers about Facebook data privacy.[Slashdot]
- The jury returned its verdict on September 25 in a case tied to the Cambridge Analytica scandal.[Slashdot]
- State law permits fines up to $5,000 per violation, though state lawyers noted applying the maximum rate would violate constitutional due process.[Slashdot]
- Meta asked Judge Francis Mathew to cap the penalties at $3.45 billion, claiming the state's demand violates constitutional provisions.[Slashdot]
What remains uncertain
- The final amount Judge Francis Mathew will order Meta to pay remains undecided.[Slashdot]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.