Australian billionaire Andrew Forrest has filed a lawsuit against Facebook alleging that the tech giant has violated anti-money laundering laws by not cracking down on fraudulent ads that used its image.
According to these allegations, Facebook allegedly did not take sufficient steps to stop criminals from using its social media platform to send fraudulent advertisements aimed at deceiving Australian users.
It is also alleged that these ads, which used Forrest’s image and claimed cryptocurrency investment schemes, have been appearing on Facebook since March 2019. Forrest, chairman of Fortescue Metals Group, also claims that Facebook failed to exercise control or create a corporate culture that would prevent the use of its systems for fraud.
It is unusual for a private citizen to file criminal charges against a corporation. Forrest said it had sought and obtained approval from Australian Attorney General Michaelia Cash to launch action under the Commonwealth criminal code.
“I’m doing this because I’m concerned about innocent Australians being fooled by advertising,” he said.
