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Australian Court Dismisses Crypto Scam Ad Lawsuit Against Meta

Australian court dismisses Andrew Forrest's lawsuit against Meta over scam crypto ads, citing insufficient evidence.
Australian Court Dismisses Crypto Scam Ad Lawsuit Against Meta

Highlights

  • Western Australian court dismisses Andrew Forrest’s lawsuit against Meta over crypto scam ads.
  • Forrest alleges Meta's ad tools helped scammers; continues fight in California court.
  • Meta defends its anti-scam measures, citing efforts to safeguard users from fraudulent ads.

The criminal lawsuit filed by billionaire Andrew Forrest in the District Court of Western Australia against Meta Platforms Inc. has been dismissed. The lawsuit was based on accusations that Meta Platforms Inc. allowed advertisements featuring Forrest’s image in cryptocurrencies, leading to huge financial losses by consumers. Notwithstanding these allegations, the court ruled in favor of Meta since there was inadequate evidence to continue with the legal proceedings.

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Background of the Crypto Scam Case

Andrew Forrest, who is popular for being the chairman of Fortescue Metals Group and one of Australia’s most wealthy individuals, filed the suit under particular parts of the Commonwealth Criminal Code addressing anti-money laundering. 

Forrest claimed that Meta’s platforms, including Facebook, were used by third parties to advertise crypto scams by using his image in a misleading way to give themselves credibility. According to Forrest, such actions would be in violation of anti-money laundering laws in Australia.

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Legal Arguments and Meta’s Defense

Meta refused all accusations and underlined its determination to remove scams from its systems. The company has been unwavering in stating that it does not tolerate fraudulent activities and has even put in place measures to fight against such misuse. 

In reply to the lawsuit, a Meta representative emphasized the safety of users, which the company usually ensures, and the prevention of scams, highlighting the complexity of cyber fraud and the ongoing attacks by advanced scam operations.

Having lost a case in the Australian courts, Forrest does not give up, with the continuous civil lawsuit against Meta in the California Northern District Court. In addition, this legal case looks at the accusations that Meta’s ad tools enabled scam ads to grow, thus causing users to suffer economic losses. Forrest’s legal team said the U.S. company had not taken enough precautions, an argument that Meta refutes by citing U.S. laws, which usually hold platforms not responsible for third-party content.

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Impact on Victims and Meta’s Stance

Despite the court’s judgment, Forrest expressed disappointment, especially for the victims who incurred losses as a result of the alleged scams. He stressed the wider implications of the decision, claiming that it points to difficulties in suing major tech firms under the Australian legal system. Meanwhile, Meta maintains its stance on enhancing user protection and refining its systems to detect and eliminate scams more effectively.

Read Also: Crypto Liquidations Hit Over $200M In 1 Hour- What’s Going On?

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Kelvin Munene Murithi

Kelvin Munene is a crypto and finance journalist with over 5 years of experience, offering in-depth market analysis and expert commentary . With a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Actuarial Science from Mount Kenya University, Kelvin is known for his meticulous research and strong writing skills, particularly in cryptocurrency, blockchain, and financial markets. His work has been featured across top industry publications such as Coingape, Cryptobasic, MetaNews, Cryptotimes, Coinedition, TheCoinrepublic, Cryptotale, and Analytics Insight among others, where he consistently provides timely updates and insightful content. Kelvin’s focus lies in uncovering emerging trends in the crypto space, delivering factual and data-driven analyses that help readers make informed decisions. His expertise extends across market cycles, technological innovations, and regulatory shifts that shape the crypto landscape. Beyond his professional achievements, Kelvin has a passion for chess, traveling, and exploring new adventures.

Why trust CoinGape: CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights to our readers. Our journalists and analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.
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