A Quebec judge has authorized a class-action lawsuit against Facebook, following complaints that the social media platform featured unauthorized advertisements using the images of well-known Quebec celebrities to promote fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes.
Judge's Decision
The ruling, issued on May 20, 2026, allows the case to proceed as a class action, representing individuals whose likenesses were exploited without consent. The plaintiffs argue that Facebook failed to prevent or remove deceptive ads that misled users into investing in fake crypto ventures.
Celebrities Involved
Among those affected are prominent Quebec figures, including television personalities and influencers, whose photos were manipulated to appear in sponsored posts. The ads promised high returns on cryptocurrency investments, but many victims reported losing money.
Marie-Claude Barrette, a well-known host, was one of the celebrities whose image was used. She expressed relief at the court's decision, stating that the unauthorized use of her likeness damaged her reputation and misled her fans.
Legal Implications
This case highlights the growing issue of deepfake and identity misuse in online advertising. The class-action seeks damages for privacy violations, defamation, and negligence. Legal experts suggest this could set a precedent for holding social media platforms accountable for user-generated content that exploits public figures.
Facebook has not yet commented on the ruling, but the company has previously stated it employs automated systems to detect and remove fraudulent ads. Critics argue these measures are insufficient.
Broader Context
The lawsuit is part of a larger trend of legal actions against tech giants over misleading advertisements. In recent years, similar cases have emerged in other jurisdictions, including the United States and Europe, where celebrities have sued platforms for hosting fake endorsements.
As the case moves forward, it will likely examine Facebook's ad review processes and its responsibility to protect users from financial scams.
