Jury Began Deliberations in New Mexico Facebook Lawsuit
A jury of 12 people is now deciding if Facebook violated state law by deceiving its users.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Internet
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Should social media companies be held legally liable for misleading statements made to their users?
The jury in the state District Court trial began deliberations on Wednesday afternoon. This trial examines allegations that Facebook lied to its users, marking the second time the company has faced a trial in New Mexico this year.
Why it matters
The trial addresses whether the platform misled its user base in violation of state law, a critical test of corporate accountability. The proceedings moved faster than expected, concluding well ahead of an original October projection.
A jury of 12 members was empaneled to hear the case, with deliberations starting at 2:45 p.m. on Wednesday. The legal proceedings were completed at an accelerated pace compared to the original expected timeline.
The players
Facebook is a major social media corporation currently facing legal challenges regarding its interactions with users.
Francis Mathew
Francis Mathew is the presiding judge overseeing the district court trial in Santa Fe.
The details
Judge Francis Mathew sent the jury to deliberate after attorneys from both sides wrapped up closing arguments in the Santa Fe district court. The case focuses on claims that Facebook violated New Mexico law by lying to its users.
Timeline
September 8, 2026: Jury selection for the trial began.
September 23, 2026: The jury began deliberations at 2:45 p.m.
October 2026: This was the original projected end date for the trial.
The Tech Race
This trial follows Facebook's first legal proceeding in New Mexico earlier this year. It reflects a broader trend of increased regulatory and judicial scrutiny facing major social media platforms.
The jury's decision will determine if the company must change how it communicates with users in the state. Residents may see future shifts in platform policies depending on the court's final ruling.
The takeaway
The resolution of this case will set a significant legal standard for platform transparency in the region. Residents should monitor the outcome as it may influence how social media companies present their terms of service to local users.
Further reading
For more on evolving digital standards and legal challenges, visit the Internet section.
Live Poll
Should social media companies be held legally liable for misleading statements made to their users?
