Meta hit with $25-billion penalty for misleading Facebook users about data privacy

What happened: A New Mexico judge ordered Meta to pay $25 billion for misleading users about how it collects and safeguards data, following a September jury finding of 43 million violations of state consumer protection laws. Key numbers: $25 billion penalty; 43 million violations; up to $5,000 per willful violation; $17 billion August child safety settlement; $942 million New Why it matters: Meta said it plans to appeal, with its chief legal officer arguing the ruling makes it "all but impossible to do business" in New Mexico. The penalty adds to multibillion-dollar legal hits this year. Coverage: 3 outlets in 24h

A New Mexico judge ordered Meta to pay $25 billion for misleading users about how it collects and safeguards data, following a September jury finding of 43 million violations of state consumer protection laws.

Meta said it plans to appeal, with its chief legal officer arguing the ruling makes it "all but impossible to do business" in New Mexico. The penalty adds to multibillion-dollar legal hits this year.