US Court Orders Meta to Pay $25 Billion Over Data Privacy Violations

A New Mexico judge has ordered Meta Platforms to pay $25 billion after a jury determined the company had committed 43 million violations of state consumer protection statutes related to its handling of user data. The verdict represents one of the largest financial penalties imposed on a technology company for privacy breaches.

The case centres on Meta's conduct during the Cambridge Analytica affair, when personal information of millions of users was improperly shared with third parties without proper consent. The scandal exposed significant gaps in the company's data protection practices and raised questions about how social media platforms safeguard user privacy.

Jurors found that Meta engaged in deceptive practices by misleading users about the security and privacy of their personal information. The court determined that each violation of consumer protection law warranted a separate penalty, resulting in the substantial damages award.

The ruling adds to mounting legal pressure on Meta, which has faced multiple investigations and fines from regulators worldwide over privacy concerns. The verdict may influence how other jurisdictions approach data protection enforcement against technology companies operating globally.

Meta has not yet indicated whether it plans to appeal the decision. The company has previously stated its commitment to strengthening user privacy controls and implementing better data protection measures.