Sen. Gounardes: $25 Billion Meta Ruling is a Win for People Over Profits

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: OCTOBER 22, 2026

New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes issues the following statement in response to a New Mexico judge ordering Meta to pay $25 billion for deceiving users about its data privacy practices:

“For years, Meta has systematically abused users’ privacy in the name of corporate profits. That predatory behavior has come at the expense of millions of Americans, including children. This is just the latest example of people across the country saying ‘enough is enough.’ Meta’s immense wealth and power does not make them immune from accountability. We’re demanding a safer, better internet that works for all of us.”

Background:

In recent years, Senator Gounardes has passed several pieces of legislation designed to hold tech corporations accountable and ensure digital safety, including the SAFE For Kids Act, the New York Child Data Protection Act, social media warning labels, the Stop Online Predators Act/Safe By Design Act, and the RAISE Act. 

Press Contact:

Billy Richling

Communications Director

State Senator Andrew Gounardes

billy@senatorgounardes.nyc

###