11 hrs ago
New Mexico Jury Finds Meta Misled Users About Data
A jury in New Mexico decided that Meta gave people misleading information about how Facebook handled their data.
The case involved claims that Cambridge Analytica obtained information from millions of Facebook users through an outside app.
The state also said Meta did not clearly explain how it handled hate speech and misinformation.
Jurors found 26 of 29 statements identified by the state were misleading.
They did not agree with every claim about Meta’s efforts to remove harmful content and use fact-checking.
A judge will decide the civil penalty.
The state says more than 43 million violations were identified and may seek up to $5,000 for each one.
Meta disagrees with the verdict and says it protects users’ information and free expression.
A Santa Fe jury found Meta misled New Mexico residents about Facebook data practices and content policies.
Jurors said 26 of 29 statements identified by the state were misleading, involving user data, hate speech and misinformation.
The findings followed a two-week trial stemming from allegations involving Cambridge Analytica’s access to Facebook user data.
More than 43 million violations were identified, and the state may seek the maximum penalty of $5,000 per violation.
Meta disagreed with the verdict, denied selling users’ information and said it would continue defending itself.
- Who
- The New Mexico attorney general’s office sued Meta Platforms, and a Santa Fe jury decided the case.
- What
- The jury found Meta misled consumers about Facebook data sharing and certain policies concerning hate speech and misinformation.
- Where
- Santa Fe, New Mexico.
- When
- The verdict was announced on Friday, September 25, after a two-week trial; the articles do not specify the year.
- Why
- New Mexico alleged that Meta’s statements led users to believe they controlled their data and that the company had broader protections against harmful content than it actually enforced.
New Mexico’s Case
Meta’s Defense
User data practices
New Mexico’s Case
New Mexico argued that Meta misled users about how it shared personal data with third parties and failed to disclose that outside parties could obtain it.
Meta’s Defense
Meta denied that it sells users’ information and said the state’s presentation distorted the company’s record.
Content moderation policies
New Mexico’s Case
The state argued that Meta presented broad policies on hate speech and misinformation while allowing harmful content to spread and making exceptions for certain users.
Meta’s Defense
Meta argued that the statements were cherry-picked and omitted context acknowledging that its handling of misinformation and privacy issues was imperfect.
Penalty and remedies
New Mexico’s Case
Attorney General Raúl Torrez said the state would push for the maximum penalty and seek changes such as corrections and an audit of Meta’s data-management practices.
Meta’s Defense
Meta disagreed with the verdict and said it would continue defending itself against the state’s claims.
Key facts
- Plaintiff
- New Mexico’s attorney general
- Defendant
- Meta Platforms
- Statements found misleading
- 26 of 29 statements identified by the state
- Violations identified
- More than 43 million
- Maximum civil penalty
- Up to $5,000 per violation under New Mexico law
- Central data controversy
- Cambridge Analytica allegedly obtained data from as many as 87 million Facebook users through a third-party app
- Next step
- Judge Francis Mathew will determine civil penalties and consider possible corrective measures
Quotes
Meta spokesperson
A spokesperson for Meta Platforms responding to the jury verdict.
“"Meta's platforms are forums for free expression. We have a First Amendment right to manage those platforms in a way we believe best serves the interests of our community. This means prioritizing free speech, protecting our users' information and giving them control over their data."”
livemint.com
Raúl Torrez
New Mexico’s attorney general, who brought the lawsuit against Meta.
“"in stark detail the way in which this company plays fast and loose with the rules."”
livemint.com
Sources
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