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Meta regulatory and legal disputes over fraudulent ads

Updated 1 time since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-09-17 12:03 UTC → 2026-09-17 17:00 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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 ~~court ordered the removal of deceptive content and the payment of damages after~~ decision follows a lawsuit by the financial portal ~~Finanzfluss.~~ 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 ~~ruling~~ court rejected Meta’s defense regarding its lack of knowledge under the Digital Services Act, stating that Meta’s use of algorithms to ~~rank~~ rank, time, and ~~time~~ distribute content constitutes ~~sufficient~~ active control rather than acting as a passive intermediary. Consequently, Meta has been ordered to ~~hold~~ stop the ~~company responsible.~~ 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.

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