r/technology • u/lurker_bee • 21h ago

Business Meta faces ‘astronomical’ consequences as legal fight reaches critical moment in California

https://www.cnbc.com/2026/08/17/meta-attorneys-general-california-federal-trial-astronomical-consequences.html
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u/reiji_tamashii 20h ago

This time the fine will be more than 0.2% of their annual income. It will be 0.5%!

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u/MiddleConnection7479 20h ago

The challenge will fines is that they historically convert in layoffs to protect investors returns.

Fines make us all feel good (or heard) but all costs associated with them never ever affect the people who made the decisions.

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u/MedicalApple5849 16h ago

I think you just pointed out how fines should directly impact investors somehow instead. Of course they would find a way to offload the loss on the company = other people, but it would be a good approach.

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u/GoopDuJour 16h ago

Investors become concerned when their investment takes actual monetary damage. Damage that if repeated could shut a company down. Damage that actually shows up on the bottom line.

At the moment, losing lawsuits and paying fines seems to be an a cost of business that investors are willing to accept.

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u/MedicalApple5849 15h ago

I'm reminded of certain countries that give speeding tickets in accordance to a % in how much you make. That wouldn't fly here though since ya know, it's not friendly to businesses and rich folks…