Meta Must Pay Record $25 Billion Privacy Penalty
A New Mexico judge formally ordered Meta to pay $25 billion in penalties after September's jury finding that it misled users on data privacy.
The Morning Brief Desk · October 22, 2026 · Based on reporting by BBC World
A New Mexico judge formally ordered Meta Platforms on Wednesday to pay $25 billion in penalties over its handling of user data. The order follows a September jury verdict that found the company misled users about how their personal data was handled.
The fine -- the largest ever imposed on the Facebook and Instagram parent -- tops its earlier $18 billion privacy deal in California. No U.S. tech company has ever faced a bigger privacy penalty. The case stems from a trial over Meta's data practices tied to the Cambridge Analytica scandal, a controversy dating back nearly a decade.
Sources
BBC World — Meta fined $25bn for 'lies' over user data privacy
A New Mexico court imposed the largest fine to date against Facebook's owner, exceeding its earlier $18 billion California deal.
TechCrunch — Meta ordered to pay $25B in case related to Cambridge Analytica scandal
The payout follows a recent trial over Meta's data privacy practices tied to the nearly decade-old Cambridge Analytica scandal.
Engadget — Meta ordered to cough up $25 billion in New Mexico privacy case
A judge ordered the penalty after a September jury found Meta misled users about how their data was handled.
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