Polish billionaire Rafal Brzoska and his wife are preparing to sue Meta over fake advertisements on Facebook and Instagram featuring Brzoska’s face and false information about his wife.
The ads, which continue to circulate despite user complaints, have prompted Brzoska to take legal action in an attempt to hold the social media giant accountable.
The Legal Battle Ahead
Brzoska, the creator of the Polish parcel locker company InPost, stated he had not yet decided on a specific jurisdiction to file their lawsuit.
He said:
“We plan to file a private lawsuit against Meta… We have not yet determined in which jurisdictions we will sue Meta. We will decide in the next few weeks.”
He also indicated he and his wife are considering all scenarios, including filing a lawsuit in the United States if there is insufficient action in Europe.
Meta’s Response to Fake Ads
A Meta spokesperson responded to the issue, emphasizing the company’s efforts to combat fake advertisements.
They said:
“Scammers use every platform available to them to defraud people and constantly adapt to evade getting caught. Scam content breaks our rules and we remove it when we find it.”
Meta also noted it works with local authorities to address these issues.
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Early Complaints and Lack of Resolution
Brzoska revealed that he notified Meta of the problem in early July, but the company has yet to find a solution. Despite repeated notifications, the fake ads continue to appear on the platforms. The billionaire highlighted the persistent issue and their intention to seek substantial compensation, which they plan to donate to charity.
He aims to stop Meta from benefiting from the promotion of content that violates their rights.
Regulatory Intervention
Last week, the President of the Personal Data Protection Office in Poland ordered Meta Platforms Ireland Limited to stop displaying false advertisements using real data and images of Brzoska and his wife on Facebook and Instagram in Poland for three months. This intervention is a significant step, but Brzoska and his wife believe that further legal action is necessary to ensure lasting change.
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Global Implications
This planned lawsuit could be another global attempt to hold internet giants like Meta accountable for fake advertisements. Brzoska’s case highlights a broader issue of how social media platforms handle user complaints and the effectiveness of their measures to remove misleading content. The outcome of this lawsuit could set a precedent for future cases involving fake ads and the responsibilities of social media companies.
The Fight Against Online Scams
Meta acknowledges the ongoing battle against scammers who exploit its platforms. The spokesperson added, “We also partner with businesses, local administrations, and law enforcement to defeat these committed criminals.” However, the effectiveness of these partnerships and measures remains under scrutiny as incidents like Brzoska’s continue to emerge.
