Log in

News

Meta Platforms gets into trouble with Australian authorities over scam crypto ads

Updated: Jul 25, 2024
Published: Mar 18, 2022
0
Share:

Facebook is a prominent social media platform backed by Meta Platforms. In a recent turn of events, the parent company of Facebook has got into trouble with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission or ACCC which sued the firm over a number of scam crypto ads that the firm allowed in its social media platforms. 

Post Feature Image

ACCC sues Meta Platforms

Facebook has billions of users and when crypto scam ads are covered to such a wide user base, hell is bound to break loose. Crypto-based scams have been very prevalent due to a lack of education and insight into this new financial tool. As a result, the ACCC instituted Federal Court proceedings against Facebook owner Meta Platforms, Inc. and Meta Platforms Ireland Limited. 

The ACCC said in their official release that the firm was dealing in "false, misleading or deceptive conduct by publishing scam advertisements featuring prominent Australian public figures" which was a breach of the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) or the Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act (ASIC Act). The official press release also said that "Meta aided and abetted or was knowingly concerned in false or misleading conduct and representations by the advertisers."

ACCC Chair Rod Sims said in his statement:

The essence of our case is that Meta is responsible for the ads that it publishes on its platform. It is a key part of Meta’s business to enable advertisers to target users who are most likely to click on the link in an ad to visit the ad’s landing page, using Facebook algorithms. Those visits to landing pages from ads generate substantial revenue for Facebook.

Does meta fail in preventing false ads?

In a detailed report, the ACCC pointed out that Meta Platforms failed in the implementation of strict advertorial policies that enabled scammers to promote investment in cryptocurrency or money-making schemes in order to mislead Facebook users. It is important to note that prominent individuals like businessman Dick Smith, TV presenter David Koch, and former NSW Premier Mike Baird were associated with these scams who never actually endorsed these schemes and products. 

The ACCC Chair also added: 

Apart from resulting in untold losses to consumers, these ads also damage the reputation of the public figures falsely associated with the ads. Meta failed to take sufficient steps to stop fake ads featuring public figures, even after those public figures reported to Meta that their name and image were being featured in celebrity endorsement cryptocurrency scam ads.
As per one of the incidents revealed by the ACCC chair, in one of the cases, using false advertisement on Facebook by Meta Platforms, the scammers were able to make away with $650,000 of the hard-earned money of a customer which Sims described as "disgraceful."

100% Success Money Back Guarantee

If our approach doesn’t outperform the overall crypto market during your subscription, we’ll give you a full refund of your membership. No questions asked. For quarterly and monthly subscribers this is applicable once your subscription runs for 6 consecutive months.

Terms & Conditions apply

Star

Trusted by 300,000+ traders

Take your next step towards crypto success

Save 50%

$799/year

Get everything you need to actively manage your portfolio and stay ahead. Ideal for investors seeking regular guidance and access to tools that help make informed decisions.

VisaCardImageMsCardImageCoinbaseCardImageSolanaCardImage

For your security, all orders are processed on a secured server.

What’s included in Pro:

  • Success Guarantee, if we don’t outperform the market, you get 100% back, no questions asked

  • 24/7 access to experts with 50+ years’ experience

  • All of our top token picks for 2025

  • Our latest memecoins pick with 50X potential

  • On hand technical analysis on any token of your choice

  • Weekly livestreams & ask us anything with the team

  • Daily insights on Macro, Mechanics, and On-chain

  • Curated list of top upcoming airdrops (free money)

Our track record speaks for itself

With over 2.4M tokens and widespread misinformation in crypto, we cut
through the noise and consistently find winning assets.

/images/advertorial/corpcomm3.webp
/images/advertorial/corpcomm4.webp
/images/advertorial/corpcomm5.webp

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. We've consistently identified winners across multiple cycles. Bitcoin under $1,000, Ethereum under $70, Solana under $10, WIF from $0.003 to $5, PopCat from $0.004 to $2, SPX blasting past $1.70, and our latest pick has already 200X'd since June 2025. Everything is timestamped and public record.

No. When we founded Cryptonary in 2017 the market was new to everyone. We intentionally created content that was easy to understand and actionable. That foundational principle is the crux of Cryptonary. Taking complex ideas and opportunities and presenting them in a way a 10 year old could understand.

Signal vs noise. We filter out 99.9% of garbage projects, provide data backed analysis, and have a proven track record of finding winners. Not to mention since Cryptonary's inception in 2017 we have never taken investment, sponsorship or partnership. Compare this to pretty much everyone else, no track record, and a long list of partnerships that cloud judgements.

We share highly sensitive, time-critical research. Once it's out, it can't be "returned." That's why membership is annual only. Crypto success takes time and commitment. If someone is not willing to invest 12 months into their future, there is no place for them at Cryptonary.

Yes. You will have 24/7 to the team that bought you BTC at $1,000, ETH at $70, and SOL at $10. Through our community chats, live Q&As, and member only channels, you can ask questions and interact directly with the team. Our team has over 50 years of combined experience which you can tap into every single day.

Daily. We provide real-time updates, weekly reports, emergency alerts, and live Q&As when the markets move fast. In crypto, the market moves fast, in Cryptonary, we move faster.

If our approach to the market doesn’t beat the overall crypto market during your subscription, we’ll give you a full refund of your membership fee. No questions asked. For quarterly and monthly subscribers this is applicable once your subscription runs for 6 consecutive months.

Recommended from Cryptonary
This Week's Setup: 27th of October
Market Updates
This Week's Setup: 27th of OctoberIt’s a big week in markets, and you don’t want to miss what’s coming. The Fed meets, Trump and Xi ar...
7 min read
Oct 27, 2025
Time Sensitive: The 4x Market-Neutral Trade Everyone’s Missing
PRO
Research Report
Time Sensitive: The 4x Market-Neutr...Opportunities like this are rare in crypto. Most launches are driven by hype or speculation with no ...
11 min read
Oct 27, 2025
BTC, ETH and More: Breakouts Loom on Pennants, Key Levels Ahead
PRO
Market Direction
BTC, ETH and More: Breakouts Loom o...The market is coiling in pennants after the inflation beat. All eyes on major resistance and breakdo...
6 min read
Oct 24, 2025