Rhode Island sues Meta over alleged scam ads

Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha has sued Meta, alleging the company violated state consumer-protection law by allowing scam advertisements to reach users across its platforms. The complaint, filed in Providence County Superior Court, says Meta failed to curb fraudulent ads despite knowing they could cause financial harm and generate substantial revenue for the company. The allegations have not been adjudicated. The state alleges Meta’s advertising systems helped create, target and distribute promotions for fraudulent schemes, deceptive offers, impersonation scams, fake investment opportunities and ineffective or dangerous health products. It says the company used user data and ad-targeting tools to reach people considered more likely to respond, including older adults. The complaint cites estimates that Meta showed users about 15 billion high-risk scam advertisements each day. It also cites an estimate that scam and restricted advertisements accounted for about 10% of the company’s 2024 revenue, or roughly $16 billion. Those figures are allegations and estimates cited by the state, not court findings. Rhode Island further alleges that Meta sometimes charged...