Jury selection began today in Santa Fe as New Mexico moves forward with its data‑privacy lawsuit against Meta, the parent company of Facebook. The state alleges that Meta improperly permitted the British political‑consulting firm Cambridge Analytica to access personal information of hundreds of thousands of New Mexico residents, violating the state’s Unfair Practices Act.
Background of the case
Cambridge Analytica obtained data from millions of Facebook users in 2015‑2016 and used it to build detailed voter profiles that were then employed to target political advertising during the 2016 election cycle. While the scandal received national attention, New Mexico filed its own complaint in 2021, asserting that Meta failed to safeguard the data of its citizens and thereby breached state consumer‑protection law.
State’s claims and sought penalties
The lawsuit contends that Meta’s lax data‑handling practices constitute an unfair and deceptive act under New Mexico law. The state is seeking civil penalties, though the complaint does not specify an exact monetary amount. Officials say the case is about holding large technology platforms accountable for protecting the privacy of ordinary families and preserving the constitutional right to privacy.
Meta’s response
Meta has denied the allegations, stating that it complied with all applicable laws and that the data accessed by Cambridge Analytica was obtained through a third‑party app that violated Meta’s policies. The company argues that it has taken extensive steps since the scandal to improve data security and transparency for users.
Related legal actions
This trial follows a separate New Mexico case in which the state prevailed against Meta over claims that the platform’s design contributed to mental‑health harms among young people. That earlier victory underscored the state’s willingness to challenge big tech on issues that affect the well‑being of families.
What’s next?
The jury selection process is expected to continue through early October, with the trial itself slated to run into the fall. Legal analysts note that the outcome could set a precedent for how state consumer‑protection statutes are applied to technology companies, potentially influencing future privacy legislation across the country.
Local residents and advocacy groups have expressed support for the state’s effort, emphasizing the importance of protecting personal information in an era of pervasive digital surveillance. As the case proceeds, the community will be watching closely to see whether the court holds Meta accountable for its role in the Cambridge Analytica data breach.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
