New Mexico Seeks to Fine Meta $35 Billion to $40 Billion Over User Data

The U.S. state of New Mexico asked First Judicial District Court Judge Francis Mathew to fine Meta between $35 billion and $40 billion during an October 1 hearing, according to News From The States. The request was presented by state attorney Randi McGinn after a jury found that the company committed nearly 44 million violations of the state's Unfair Practices Act.

According to what was stated in the hearing, the violations relate to statements Meta made regarding user data, misleading information, and hate speech, allegations the jury found to fall under unfair practices prohibited by local law. The request represents one of the largest financial demands against a company in user data cases at the U.S. state level to date, coming at a time when local prosecutions against major platforms are expanding.

For his part, Meta's attorney described the requested amount as unprecedented, grounding his defense in the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution, according to the report. The Eighth Amendment prohibits excessive sanctions and fines, while the Fourteenth Amendment guarantees due process rights, two common arguments in appeals against large fines.

Judge Francis Mathew stated he would issue his decision within two to three weeks, making a ruling expected this month. Advertisers and platforms in the region are eagerly awaiting the outcome, as it could set a new ceiling for fines in data and targeted advertising cases, prompting companies to review how they present data policies and handle harmful content.

What do these terms mean?

**Unfair Practices:** Rules in U.S. consumer protection law that prevent companies from using misleading or deceptive statements when marketing their services. **Eighth Amendment:** An amendment to the U.S. Constitution that prohibits imposing excessive punishments or fines. **Jury:** A group of citizens that reviews evidence during a trial and determines whether the defendant is liable, often leaving the penalty determination to the judge.