Meta Misled New Mexico Residents on Data Privacy, Jury Rules

A New Mexico jury has determined that Meta breached the state’s Unfair Practices Act by misleading residents regarding their data privacy and the company’s management of misinformation, according to Reuters. This trial stemmed from a lawsuit initiated by the state in 2021, which was in direct response to the Cambridge Analytica scandal, where Facebook data was improperly utilized for targeting political ads during the 2016 election.

The lawsuit asserted that Meta misrepresented the permissions granted to third-party applications concerning user data, maintained ambiguous privacy settings, and inaccurately claimed uniform enforcement of its hate speech policies, among various other allegations. Reuters reported that Meta’s legal team acknowledged past errors in handling misinformation and privacy concerns. they refuted claims that the company sold user data or gained from hate speech.

A judge has not yet decided the amount of the fine Meta will face. Engadget has reached out to Meta for comments regarding the case and the jury’s ruling. We will provide updates to this article if a response is received.

The Cambridge Analytica incident, which involved the unauthorized collection and use of data from 50 million Facebook users, marks a significant blemish on Meta’s history. In an effort to distance itself from this controversy, the company rebranded as Meta in 2021. Meta has settled multiple legal disputes related to Cambridge Analytica in the US, UK, and Australia. Recently, the company reached a settlement with 47 US states addressing child safety issues, amounting to $18 billion, which included a $459 million payment to resolve ongoing lawsuits connected to Cambridge Analytica, as reported by Reuters. Notably, New Mexico and Florida opted out of this settlement, paving the way for this trial and allowing the jury to once again rule against Meta.