New Mexico Seeks $35 Billion to $40 Billion Penalty From Meta After Privacy Trial Verdict

New Mexico asked a state judge on October 1, 2026, to order Meta Platforms to pay between $35 billion and $40 billion in penalties after a jury found the company misled Facebook users about data privacy in a case stemming from the Cambridge Analytica scandal. The jury, which returned its verdict on September 25, 2026, found 26 of 29 company statements misleading and determined Meta committed more than 43 million violations of New Mexico consumer protection law. State attorney Randi McGinn said the proposed amount equals about 20% of the maximum penalty allowed under state law, arguing it would affect Meta's stock price. The company countered that the request is "astronomical" and unconstitutional, urging Judge Francis Mathew to cap penalties at $3.45 billion. Mathew said he expects to rule later in October 2026. The case is State of New Mexico v. Meta Platforms, No. D-101-CV-2021-00132.