German Court Rules Meta Liable for Fake Ads on Instagram, Facebook
The court said Meta’s algorithms gave it control over ad placement and ordered disclosure of the fake ads’ revenue and details.
- On September 16, the Frankfurt Regional Court ruled that Meta is liable for fake advertisements on Instagram and Facebook, ordering the company to remove the content and pay damages for fraudulent posts.
- Finanzfluss and co-founder Thomas Kehl filed the lawsuit after scammers used their trademarked logo and photo without permission to promote allegedly fraudulent investments, with some posts persisting for up to 62 days.
- Judges rejected Meta's defense under the Digital Services Act, ruling the company exercises control over content through its algorithms rather than acting as a passive host, citing European Court of Justice precedent.
- Beyond removing the ads, the court ordered Meta to disclose ad details and revenue, though the ruling is not final. "We respectfully disagree with this decision and are considering next steps," a Meta spokesperson said.
- This ruling increases European legal pressure on Meta, following Poland's request last month for a €250 million fine under the Digital Services Act and reports that scams could account for about 10% of Meta's revenue.
40 Articles
40 Articles
Aftenposten
DocumentThe American technology giant Meta is responsible for false advertising on the company's platforms Facebook and Instagram, a German court has ruled.
German court rules Meta liable for fake ads on Facebook and Instagram, orders it to pay damages - Tech Startups
Meta just lost a court fight that goes to the heart of one of social media’s most persistent problems: scammers paying to place fake investment ads in front of users. The Frankfurt Regional Court ruled that Meta can be held […] The post German court rules Meta liable for fake ads on Facebook and Instagram, orders it to pay damages first appeared on Tech Startups.
The district court Frankfurt am Main has passed a verdict on fraudulent advertisements on social media. According to this Meta must be liable for fake advertising and stop the spread. What does the plaintiff, the Saarlander and well-known financial influencer Thomas Kehl say?
Fraudsters advertise dubious investments on social media platforms with fake profiles and the face of a well-known financial expert. A court is now taking Meta into account.
Court orders tech firm to remove fake ads, compensate plaintiffs and disclose revenue generated from advertisements
German court rules Meta liable for fake ads on Instagram, Facebook
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