Facebook/Meta Pleads Not Guilty in Crypto Scam Ad Case: Here's Why
Facebook parent company Meta pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to criminal charges in Australia, vehemently denying allegations that it recklessly facilitated clickbait crypto scams through its advertising platform. The case, filed in 2025, claims that over half of the cryptocurrency-related ads analyzed by the ACCC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission) were scams or violated Meta’s advertising policies. Meta is being sued by Australia.
The ACCC Lawsuit: A Deep Dive into the Claims
The country's media watchdog claims it allowed scam adverts relating to crypto on its Facebook platform. The ACCC alleges that Facebook’s parent company, Meta, created a system via Meta Ads that enabled scammers to target Australian users with fraudulent crypto schemes. The complaint specifically alleges that Meta Ads makes it possible for multiple “[c]ustomers advertising in Australia” to “run” ads on Meta’s own social media platform.
Meta's Defense: Data Discrepancies and Policy Updates
Meta, however, is fighting back. Meta has denied claims that over half of crypto ads on Facebook are scams, arguing that the data is outdated and that it has since implemented stricter measures to combat fraudulent advertising. According to Bloomberg, a Sydney-based spokeswoman for Meta said that the company doesn’t want scammy or misleading ads on Facebook because they “violate our policies and are not good for our business.”
Facebook's Crypto History and the Current Controversy
Social media giant Facebook/Meta has been significantly involved in the crypto-verse. Aside from its crypto -centric initiative, Libra (now Diem, later shut down), the social media platform has been a key advertising space for various crypto projects. This involvement, however, has attracted increased scrutiny regarding the types of ads allowed on the platform, particularly concerning unregulated and often deceptive crypto offerings.
What's Next in the Meta Crypto Ad Lawsuit?
The legal battle between Meta and the ACCC is expected to continue, with significant implications for how social media platforms regulate crypto advertising. The outcome could set a precedent for holding platforms accountable for the content they host, particularly in the rapidly evolving and often unregulated world of cryptocurrency. Stay tuned for updates as the case progresses.