Jury Finds Facebook Liable for Deceiving Users on Privacy

Why it matters locally: Given New York's large population and significant digital media presence, the precedent set by this verdict could influence future data privacy regulations and consumer protection efforts within the state, potentially affecting how social media companies operate and collect user data from New Yorkers.

A New Mexico jury found Facebook liable for deceiving users about privacy protections. The verdict concluded a trial that focused on accusations the social media company misled individuals regarding a data breach. The breach originated from a third-party personality quiz. This quiz harvested data from an estimated 87 million user profiles. The company Cambridge Analytica, a political consulting firm, then purchased this data. Cambridge Analytica used the data to generate targeted advertisements.