German court rules Meta liable for fake ads on Instagram, Facebook
AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication
A German court ruled that Meta is liable for fake advertisements on Instagram and Facebook that used a financial portal’s trademarked logo and image without permission. The portal operator, who reported nearly 260 violations in August 2024, cited Meta’s delayed removal of content—up to 62 days. The court rejected Meta’s claim that the Digital Services Act’s lack‑of‑knowledge defence applies, noting the company’s control over content through algorithms and advertising practices. The decision references a June European Court of Justice precedent and remains subject to appeal.
💡 Why It Matters
- · The ruling clarifies that tech giants cannot hide behind regulatory defenses when they actively curate content, setting a precedent for stricter accountability in online advertising.