Meta Sued by Rhode Island Over Fraudulent Ads
Rhode Island is suing Meta Platforms for allegedly helping to "create and optimize" ads for contraband as well as ads that aimed to bilk consumers, reports MediaPost.
"Meta represents to the public that it detects, blocks, removes, and 'aggressively' combats fraud and scams on its platforms and removes deceptive advertising from its platforms," Attorney General Peter Neronha alleged in a complaint filed last week in Providence County Superior Court.
"In reality, Meta has knowingly distributed to unsuspecting users large volumes of fraudulent advertisements," the complaint continues.
The complaint, states MediaPost, "includes a claim that Meta violated the state's consumer protection law by representing that it "detects, prevents, removes, and suppresses fraudulent and illegal activity on its platforms."
"The suit is one of several similar cases against Meta, which is facing increased scrutiny and litigation over online fraud. Currently, the company is being sued over fake ads by the watchdog Consumer Federation of America, Santa Clara County and consumers.
"The Federal Trade Commission also recently launched a proceeding that could result in regulations requiring Meta and other online platforms to combat fraudulent ads by scammers who impersonate businesses and government agencies."
