Quebec Judge Greenlights Class Action Against Facebook Over Fake Crypto Ads Featuring Celebrities
Judge approves class action suit against Facebook after Quebec celebs featured in fake crypto ads
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A Quebec Superior Court judge has approved a class action lawsuit against Facebook, initiated by television personality Marie-Claude Barrette, for allegedly allowing misleading cryptocurrency ads that misuse celebrities' identities. The lawsuit seeks damages for defamation and aims to hold Facebook accountable for the reputational harm caused to public figures in Quebec.
- 01The lawsuit includes several Quebec celebrities whose identities were used in fraudulent cryptocurrency ads, including Véronique Cloutier and Normand Brathwaite.
- 02The class action seeks both monetary and punitive damages, with the total amount yet to be determined.
- 03Justice Martin F. Sheehan stated that the misuse of a celebrity's name can lead to significant financial and reputational harm.
- 04Facebook's response to reports of fake ads has been criticized, as the company allegedly took no action to remove them.
- 05The lawsuit follows recent efforts in Quebec to strengthen laws against online fraud and identity theft, including Bill 24.
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A class action lawsuit against Facebook has been authorized by a Quebec Superior Court judge, following allegations that the social media platform allowed misleading cryptocurrency ads to use the identities of public figures, including Marie-Claude Barrette, Véronique Cloutier, and Normand Brathwaite. The lawsuit, which seeks damages for defamation, claims that Facebook users clicking on these fake ads were directed to fraudulent websites mimicking legitimate news sources and cryptocurrency exchanges. Justice Martin F. Sheehan emphasized the serious consequences of such scams, stating that they can significantly damage a celebrity's reputation and credibility. The judge ruled that the claims are valid and not frivolous, allowing the case to proceed despite Facebook's argument that they are not liable as platform managers. The lawsuit is part of a broader push in Quebec to combat online fraud, coinciding with the introduction of Bill 24, which aims to enhance consumer protection against identity theft and misleading advertisements. If passed, the bill would empower authorities to act swiftly against offenders using someone's image without consent.
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The lawsuit could lead to greater accountability for social media platforms in preventing identity theft and fraudulent advertisements, potentially protecting public figures in Quebec.
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