A judge sentences Meta to pay $25 billion for selling user data for electoral purposes

A New Mexico judge has ordered Meta to pay $25 billion for misleading users about data privacy practices related to the Cambridge Analytica scandal. This ruling follows a jury's finding that Meta deceived citizens regarding data protection and harmful content management. The case stems from a 2021 lawsuit alleging that Meta misrepresented its privacy policies during the 2016 election campaign. Despite previous settlements over privacy violations, New Mexico's case proceeded separately. The judge emphasized the deliberate nature of Meta's violations and the inadequate internal investigation following the scandal's revelations. Meta plans to appeal the ruling.