Facebook has found itself the subject of another lawsuit after a father has sued the company for not obtaining permission from parents or guardians before letting members of the social network “Like” products or brands.
The AFP reports that the civil suit, filed by Scott Nastro in a US district court in New York calls for all Facebook members in the state that are younger than 18 years of age which have had their names of photos used in Facebook’s “Social Ads” to be listed. Facebook remains accused of “misappropriating names or likenesses” of not only Nastro’s child but other minors, to promote products or services and boost registered members on the service.
Lawyers representing Nastro state:
“Facebook Inc. appears to be continually seeking new ways to use the names and likenesses of its members, including children, for its own marketing purposes.”
At the end of 2007, Facebook began offering Social Ads which allowed advertisements to show a member’s actions if they interacted with a brand or service. The lawsuit focuses on this, stating that underage Facebook members are giving unauthorised endorsements.
Facebook is also blasted for including underage members in its “Friend Finder” service which attempts to recommend members that might already know each other. Nastro’s lawyer has asked the judge to ban Facebook from including minors in its Social Ads and Friend Finder and will also seek damages from any money generated from ads involving children on the social network.
The <3 of EU tech
The latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It's free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now!
Facebook will fight the lawsuit, telling the AFP:
“We believe this suit is completely without merit and we will fight it vigorously.”
Get the TNW newsletter
Get the most important tech news in your inbox each week.