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NEW MEXICO SEEKS $40B META PENALTY

INDUSTRY DESK■ 1 MIN READ
THU, OCT 1, 2026

■ AI-SUMMARIZED FROM 1 SOURCE ▸ TIMELINE

New Mexico is asking a judge to impose up to $40 billion in penalties against Meta after a jury found the company willfully deceived customers. The potential award would be the largest court penalty ever issued in the United States.

The state's request follows a jury verdict determining that Meta engaged in intentional deception of its users. The $40 billion figure would far exceed previous record settlements in U.S. legal history. New Mexico's case centers on Meta's practices regarding user data and privacy. The jury's finding of willful misconduct strengthens the state's position in seeking maximum damages under applicable laws. If approved by the judge, the penalty would represent a significant escalation in regulatory actions against major tech companies. Meta faces mounting legal challenges across multiple states regarding data practices and consumer protection violations. The ruling comes amid broader scrutiny of Meta's business practices, particularly around how the company collects, uses, and protects user information. A judge must still approve the penalty amount requested by New Mexico.

■ SOURCES

► Techmeme

■ SUMMARY WRITTEN BY AI FROM THE LINKS ABOVE

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