Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP/Press Association Images
Lawsuit

Facebook faces another lawsuit after being accused of faking endorsements

The lawsuit claims that members should receive damages – of at least $750 per person – for using their likeness without permission.

FACEBOOK HAS ANOTHER lawsuit to deal with after being accused of faking user endorsements on ads.

The latest complaint comes from US resident, Anthony Ditirro, who claims Facebook misrepresented him by saying he “liked” USA Today in a sponsored advertisement when he hadn’t.

The lawsuit says that by doing this, Facebook has violated a number of civil and business codes, and that members should receive damages – of at least $750 per person – for using their likeness without permission.

The lawsuit, uploaded and posted by CNET, says:

Although plaintiff has nothing negative to say about USA Today newspapers, plaintiff is not an avid reader of USA Today, nor does plaintiff endorse the newspaper… Defendant knowingly used plaintiff’s likeness and Facebook profile to advertise to the general public that plaintiff endorsed USA Today without plaintiff’s permission.

The company was recently sued for allegedly intercepting private messages and passing that information onto advertisers. Matt Cambell, an American lawyer and political blogger, filed the lawsuit back in December asking it to change its policy and give a monetary award for users whose messages were scanned. Facebook has denied both claims and says it will defend itself “vigourously.”

Facebook recently announced that it will “sunset” sponsored stories in April. The company announced back in June that it would cut the number of ad formats on its site from 27 to less than half.

Read: Facebook page of Limerick City of Culture is hacked >

Read: Facebook an unreliable way to judge future employees, study finds >

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Your Voice
Readers Comments
15
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds