Facebook Liable, TikTok Settles Over User Safety
Two major social media platforms face legal consequences for privacy and youth safety issues.
Two major social media platforms face legal consequences for privacy and youth safety issues.
KEY TAKEAWAYS- Two of the world's largest social media platforms faced significant legal setbacks on Friday, September 26, 2026.
- The trial in Santa Fe concluded with a finding that Facebook had violated 43 million state consumer protection laws.
- The settlement with Alabama requires TikTok to pay a minimum of $100 million, with the potential to reach $300 million under certain conditions.
- [aljazeera.
Major Legal Setbacks for Social Media Giants
Two of the world's largest social media platforms faced significant legal setbacks on Friday, September 26, 2026. Facebook was found liable by a jury in New Mexico for violating consumer protection laws, while TikTok agreed to its first-ever settlement with a state attorney general over allegations of misleading users about safety and privacy.
The New Mexico verdict centered on Facebook's handling of the Cambridge Analytica scandal, where the company was accused of deceiving users about a data breach that harvested data from roughly 87 million profiles. The jury found the company liable for over 2 million violations and for publishing deceptive statements about protecting the data of New Mexico's entire population of more than 2 million people.
Separately, TikTok and its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, agreed to a settlement with the Alabama attorney general's office. The settlement addresses claims that the platform was designed to be addictive and that it misled consumers about its safety, particularly regarding access to inappropriate content for young users.
Details of the Facebook Verdict
The trial in Santa Fe concluded with a finding that Facebook had violated 43 million state consumer protection laws. Jurors determined that the company misled the public about investigations into third parties that harvest user data following the Cambridge Analytica scandal.
Meta, Facebook's parent company, stated it disagrees with the verdict and will continue to defend itself against efforts to distort its record. The company noted that free speech issues were a prominent part of the case, asserting its right to manage the platform in a way it believes best serves its community.
This verdict marks a significant victory for New Mexico consumers, according to the state's Department of Justice. It is notable because New Mexico is the only state to pursue a case over the Cambridge Analytica privacy breach, as an agreement buried within a previous $18 billion settlement with Meta released the company from future liability related to that specific scandal.
TikTok's Settlement and Youth Safety Measures
The settlement with Alabama requires TikTok to pay a minimum of $100 million, with the potential to reach $300 million under certain conditions. The state accused the app of intentionally designing the platform to be addictive and of falsely claiming it limits access to inappropriate content.
As part of the agreement, TikTok must implement a two-hour daily time limit, pause after 15 minutes of use, and improve age checks for users. The settlement comes as the company battles similar claims from at least 27 other states and Washington, DC.
This is not TikTok's first financial settlement regarding user safety. The company previously reached a $400 million settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice over allegations of violating federal children's privacy laws.
Sources and context
aljazeera.com — Facebook found liable as TikTok settles for $100m over user safety
cbsnews.com — Facebook found liable for deceiving users in Cambridge Analytica case
