DPCMO submits complaint about Facebook’s scam ads

Meta has reported revenue of $42.31 billion for the first quarter. Meta earns millions from scam ads where consumers are defrauded, celebrities are abused and fake news articles that look like those of the credible news media damage trust in the free, editorial media. This is unacceptable, which is why ReThink Law and DPCMO have today filed a complaint with the national Radio and TV Board requesting that the Board take appropriate measures to protect consumers and the public against the scam ads in accordance with the AVMS Directive.

The national Radio and TV board shall ensure respect for the objectives of media pluralism, cultural diversity, consumer and minor protection, and the proper functioning of the EU’s internal market. The internal market does not work when a dominant platform like Facebook makes money on scam ads at the expense of consumers, celebrities and publicist media.

While the outcome of our complaint remains uncertain, it is essential that we pursue it. The AVMS Directive is due for review, and this presents a crucial opportunity. To be truly effective, the regulatory framework and its definitions must be updated to reflect the realities of today’s converged media environment and tech’s business models.