Meta Fined More Than Two Billion, US Court Sentenced

A Washington state court on Wednesday imposed a fine of roughly US$25 million, or more than Rs 2 billion, on Facebook's parent corporation Meta for violations involving political advertisements in the US. It is reportedly the biggest monetary fine ever associated with a political campaign in American history.

In accordance with Washington's Fair Campaign Practice Act, King County Superior Court Judge Douglas North assessed the punishment for failing to provide Meta with the names and addresses of political ads. On everything related to this, Meta has not commented. Meta is compelled by Washington's transparency statute to make the identities and addresses of political advertising public.

The company will be required to provide the names and addresses of advertisers on demand from any such user. But Meta objected to this repeatedly in court. Facebook maintains archives of political advertisements, which it also broadcasts, but did not comply with the information required to be made public under this law.

Ajit Mohan, Vice President and Managing Director of Meta India, praised India's Internet policies and security on Thursday. We welcome government regulation, Mohan said. The government in India has been vocal about holding companies accountable for internet security and we are fully engaged with this agenda. The head of Meta India said the way the Indian government has promoted internet services and practically digital services in the country. This is a remarkable work.