Meta ordered to pay $25 billion penalty over the Cambridge Analytica case

In a landmark decision, a New Mexico judge has ordered Meta to pay a staggering $25 billion over its handling of user data, potentially making it the largest penalty faced by the company in history. This decision comes in the wake of Meta's recent $18 billion settlement over the impact of its technology on children.

The ruling centers around Meta's misleading users about how it managed their data and its failure to curb misinformation on Facebook. According to Judge Francis J. Matthew, the case highlights the core business practices of Facebook and how the platform entices and retains users.

The New Mexico case specifically targeted Meta's handling of user records utilized by Cambridge Analytica for political campaigns during the 2016 election. The judge emphasized that Meta's actions relate to how the company lures people onto its platform and maintains their engagement.

As Meta contemplates its next steps, the company has yet to comment on the ruling. This developing story will be further updated.