Home / Business and Economy / Billionaire Sues Meta Over Scam Ads Using His Likeness
Billionaire Sues Meta Over Scam Ads Using His Likeness
17 Apr
Summary
- Andrew Forrest is suing Meta for unauthorized use of his image in scam ads.
- The lawsuit challenges Meta's protection under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act.
- Forrest alleges Meta's AI tools actively participated in distributing fraudulent ads.
A significant legal challenge is underway in a US federal court as Australian mining magnate Andrew Forrest sues Meta. Forrest accuses Meta of using his likeness in scam advertisements without authorization. His legal team is specifically seeking to hold Meta accountable for its advertising business, arguing it should not be shielded by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act.
Forrest's complaint asserts that Meta's artificial intelligence tools optimized and distributed fraudulent cryptocurrency and financial scheme ads featuring his image. Thousands of such deceptive advertisements have appeared on Meta's platforms since 2019, defrauding numerous victims. This lawsuit employs a strategy similar to a recent Los Angeles jury finding that held Meta and YouTube liable for addictive platform design, focusing on Meta's active role in ad distribution rather than just user-generated content.
The case also follows a ruling by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. This court determined that Section 230 does not shield Meta from a state lawsuit concerning the addictive design of Instagram and its impact on children. A hearing on Meta's alleged destruction of evidence was held, with a judge's ruling on Forrest's motion anticipated in the coming weeks.
