# Meta regulatory and legal disputes over fraudulent ads

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/meta-regulatory-and-legal-disputes-over-fraudulent-ads
> Updated: 2026-09-17T10:25:00.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 2.

Regulatory and legal challenges regarding fraudulent advertising on Meta platforms have intensified in Europe.

In Poland, the government is seeking a fine of up to 250 million EUR against Meta following allegations that the company profits from scam advertisements, including deepfakes and fraudulent medical products. Polish Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski stated the government aims to impose stricter controls to prevent platforms from profiting from such scams while working on legislation to strengthen national cybersecurity.

Concurrently, a court in Frankfurt, Germany, ruled that Meta is liable for fraudulent advertisements posted by third parties on Facebook and Instagram. The decision follows a lawsuit by the financial portal Finanzfluss and its founder, Thomas Kehl, who alleged that scammers used the company’s trademarked logo and Kehl’s image to promote deceptive investment schemes.

The court rejected Meta’s defense regarding its lack of knowledge under the Digital Services Act, stating that Meta’s use of algorithms to rank, time, and distribute content constitutes active control rather than acting as a passive intermediary. Consequently, Meta has been ordered to stop the distribution of these fake advertisements, pay damages for future harm caused by similar content, and disclose details regarding the fraudulent ads and the revenue they generated. Meta has expressed disagreement with the decision and is considering an appeal.

## Claims

- Meta is liable for fraudulent advertisements posted by third parties on Facebook and Instagram. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- Meta's use of algorithms to control the ranking and timing of ads means it exercises control over content, negating the Digital Services Act's lack-of-knowledge defense. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- The company Finanzfluss reported nearly 260 violations to Meta in August 2024 alone. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The court ordered Meta to cease the distribution of the fake ads and pay damages for future harm caused by similar content. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Meta expressed disagreement with the ruling and is considering legal next steps, including a potential appeal. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Meta is ordered to disclose details regarding the fake advertisements and the revenue generated from them. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-17: Meta held liable by German court for fraudulent third-party ads

A German court ruled Meta is liable for fraudulent third-party ads on Facebook and Instagram that used Finanzfluss's logo and founder Thomas Kehl's image to promote fake investments.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/german-court-holds-meta-liable-for-fraudulent-ads-on-facebook-and-instagram

### 2026-09-10: Meta faces potential 250 million EUR fine in Poland over scam ads

Polish officials are seeking a 250 million EUR fine against Meta following allegations by businessman Rafał Brzoska that the platform profits from fraudulent advertisements in Poland.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/meta-faces-potential-250-million-eur-fine-in-poland-over-scam-ads

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Cite as: Meta regulatory and legal disputes over fraudulent ads. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/meta-regulatory-and-legal-disputes-over-fraudulent-ads