FEMI FALANA SUES META FOR $5 MILLION OVER PRIVACY INVASION AND MISLEADING HEALTH AD
Lagos, Nigeria – February 28, 2025 – Renowned Nigerian human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has filed a $5 million lawsuit against Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, over alleged privacy invasion linked to a misleading health advertisement. The lawsuit, filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos, accuses the tech giant of unlawfully using personal data to target users with deceptive advertisements that pose serious ethical and legal concerns.
Falana’s lawsuit claims that Meta violated the privacy rights of Nigerian users by allowing third-party advertisers to disseminate misleading health-related content without proper verification. According to court documents, the advertisement in question promoted an unverified medical product, falsely claiming to cure chronic illnesses. The advertisement allegedly targeted unsuspecting users through Meta’s algorithm-driven ad placement system.
Falana argues that the company’s failure to properly regulate the spread of false health information not only breaches users’ privacy but also endangers public health. “Meta’s reckless disregard for user data and the spread of misinformation, particularly concerning health, is a violation of fundamental human rights,” Falana stated.
In the lawsuit, Falana’s legal team has cited multiple violations, including:
Breach of Data Protection Laws – Meta allegedly failed to obtain explicit user consent before collecting and using personal data for targeted advertisements.
Violation of Consumer Rights – The misleading health advertisement misinformed the public, potentially putting lives at risk.
Negligence and Failure to Regulate – The social media giant is accused of neglecting its responsibility to monitor and prevent the spread of harmful content.
Falana is demanding $5 million in damages as compensation for the privacy invasion and the potential harm caused by the misleading advertisement. He has also called for stricter regulations on digital advertising and data protection in Nigeria.
Meta Platforms Inc. has yet to issue an official statement regarding the lawsuit. However, sources within the company have hinted that Meta may challenge the lawsuit, arguing that it has policies in place to detect and remove misleading advertisements. The company has previously stated that it is committed to combating misinformation and ensuring the safety of its users.
The lawsuit has sparked widespread debate among legal experts, tech analysts, and human rights activists. Some legal professionals believe this case could set a precedent for stronger digital rights protection in Nigeria.
Technology policy expert Dr. Ifeoma Okonkwo noted, “This lawsuit highlights the urgent need for better regulation of big tech companies in Africa, particularly concerning user privacy and misinformation.”
Meanwhile, public health advocates have also backed Falana’s move, emphasizing the dangers of unregulated health misinformation online.
As the legal battle unfolds, the outcome of Femi Falana’s lawsuit against Meta could have significant implications for data protection laws and digital advertising policies in Nigeria. If successful, the case may prompt stricter regulations on tech companies and greater accountability for online platforms regarding user privacy and misinformation control.
