Technology
Australian billionaire launches criminal case against Facebook
It was the first time Facebook was facing a criminal case globally.
![Australian billionaire launches criminal case against Facebook](/media/15218/conversions/sdgdghfgj-1280x720.webp)
Canberra: An Australian billionaire Andrew Forrest has launched a criminal case against meta-owned Facebook—alleging the company failed to prevent scam ads that used his image.
According to details, Andrew Forrest argues that Facebook breached Australian anti-money laundering laws over the spread of cryptocurrency cons.
It was the first time Facebook was facing a criminal case globally, he said.
Facebook's owner—Meta—did not comment on Forrest's lawsuit but said it was "committed to keeping those people [scammers] off our platform".
The billionaire—chairman of miner Fortescue Metals, alleged Facebook had been "criminally reckless" in not doing more to halt the ads, which first appeared in early 2019.
As per lawsuit, the scams use his image and those of other celebrities to promote bogus investments that promise riches.
Facebook bars such ads—many still appear on the platform.
"We take a multifaceted approach to stop these ads, we work not just to detect and reject the ads themselves but also block advertisers from our services and, in some cases, take court action to enforce our policies," a Meta representative said.
Dr Forrest said he had also written an open letter to Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg in November 2019, urging him to take more action.
"I'm concerned about innocent Australians being scammed through clickbait advertising on social media," billionaire said in a statement on Thursday.
"I'm acting here for Australians, but this is happening all over the world," the statement added.
However, the case will be heard in the Magistrates Court of Western Australia from 28 March. If successful, the social media platform could face fines or be forced to change its advertising.
Moreover, Dr Forrest has also filed a civil lawsuit in the US state of California, where Facebook is headquartered.
-
Pakistan 11 hours ago
PML-N, PPP reach agreement to replace Sindh governor
-
Pakistan 1 day ago
Public holiday on Aug 14 across country
-
Entertainment 13 hours ago
Ushna Shah reacts to criticism on her clothes
-
Pakistan 2 days ago
Talks with JI to resume today, says Attaullah
-
Sports 1 day ago
Arshad Nadeem secures historic gold for Pakistan in Paris Olympics, ends 40-year wait
-
Sports 1 day ago
Javelin Final: Arshad Nadeem sets new Olympic record with 92.97-meter throw
-
Technology 16 hours ago
Internet services, social media apps slow in Pakistan
-
Pakistan 2 days ago
Imran Khan offers conditional apology on May 9 incidents