New Mexico Jury Rules Meta Misled Users in Massive Data‑Privacy Case

A federal jury in New Mexico concluded that Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook, violated state consumer‑protection law by deceiving users about its data‑privacy practices on nearly 44 million occasions.

The verdict stemmed from a class‑action lawsuit alleging that Meta’s privacy disclosures misrepresented how personal information was collected, stored, and shared with third parties. Jurors determined that the company’s statements about user control and security were false or misleading, leading to a finding of widespread statutory violations.

The ruling arrives amid a broader pattern of legal scrutiny of the social‑media giant’s handling of personal data. Federal regulators, including the FTC, have previously pursued actions against Meta for privacy breaches, and the company has settled multiple lawsuits over the past years. State courts are increasingly stepping in, using consumer‑protection statutes to hold technology firms accountable for opaque data practices.

While the jury’s decision does not specify the monetary award, the finding of millions of violations opens the door to substantial damages and potential injunctive relief. Meta’s legal team has indicated it will consider an appeal, noting that the company has updated its privacy policies in recent years to address regulatory concerns.

Legal experts say the case underscores the growing relevance of state‑level enforcement in the digital‑privacy arena. Consumer advocates argue that the verdict could pressure other platforms to provide clearer disclosures and stronger safeguards. The outcome may also influence legislative efforts aimed at tightening privacy standards nationwide, as lawmakers cite the New Mexico case as evidence of persistent gaps in existing protections.