Meta fined $25 billion in New Mexico over Cambridge Analytica data scandal

A jury in Santa Fe, New Mexico, has ordered Meta to pay a $25 billion fine for 43 million violations of the state's consumer protection laws, marking the largest penalty against the company to date. The ruling stems from the 2018 Cambridge Analytica scandal, where Meta allowed third-party app developers to access users' personal information without consent. The fine represents nearly 60% of Meta's estimated $42.6 billion profit for the first half of 2026. Meta has confirmed it will appeal the decision, with its chief legal officer expressing confidence in overturning the ruling. Earlier this year, New Mexico separately fined Meta $375 million over online child safety violations.