For the first time, Facebook will face criminal cases globally. Australian Billionaire Andrew Forrest took an action against Facebook. He argues that Facebook failed to prevent scam ads that used his image. Furthermore, he believes that Facebook broke Australian anti-money laundering laws over the spread of Cryptocurrency cons.
Meanwhile, Meta (Facebook) owner did not comment on the case and says it was ‘’ Commit to keep those people (scammers) off our platform’’.
The ads first appeared on Facebook in 2019. However, Minter Fortescue Metals chairman, Dr Forrest says Facebook is not doing enough against these scammers.
Scammers – using images to promote bogus investments
Besides, Dr Forrest image, the scammers also use images of other celebrities to promote fake investments. These investments make people promises of being riches. Despite, a Facebook ban on such ads, many still appear on social media sites.
Consequently, Mr Forrest claims to write letters to Meta CEO Zuckerberg to take further action. He said on Thursday, ‘’ I am concerned about innocent Australians being scammed through clickbait advertising on social media. I am acting here for Australians, but this is happening all over the world.’’
As a result, the case will be heard in the Magistrates Court of Western Australia from 28 March. If Dr Forrest succeeds, Facebook will face fines or can be force to change its advertising strategy.
Common Citizen Make criminal charges against corporation
According to The Australian News Reports, one victim in Australia lost $670,000 because of a false endorsement featuring Dr Forrest. Meanwhile, talking about Scam ads Meta representative said, ‘’ We take a multifaceted approach to stop these ads, we work on not just to detect and reject e ads themselves but also block advertisers from our services and, in some cases, take court action to enforce our policies.’’
As it is not common for private citizens to make criminal charges against big corporations. Forrest received approval from Australia’s attorney general, Michaelia Cash, to lunch action against Facebook under the commonwealth criminal code. He said in a statement,
“This action is being taken on behalf of those everyday Australians – mums and dads, grans and granddads – who work all their lives to gather their savings and to ensure those savings aren’t swindled away by scammers. ‘’
