US Virgin Islands Takes Meta to Court Over Scam Ads and Child Safety

The attorney general of the U.S. Virgin Islands has filed a lawsuit against Meta Platforms, accusing the social media giant of knowingly allowing scam advertisements to spread across its platforms while failing to adequately protect children from online harm. The legal action focuses on Meta’s core services, Facebook and Instagram.

According to the complaint, Meta is alleged to have deliberately exposed users to fraudulent and misleading advertisements in order to boost engagement and increase advertising revenue. The lawsuit claims the company was aware of widespread scams—ranging from fake investment opportunities and impersonation schemes to deceptive promotions—but did not take sufficient steps to prevent such content from reaching users.

The attorney general also highlighted serious concerns around child safety. The filing alleges that Meta failed to put robust safeguards in place to protect minors from harmful content, predatory behavior, and inappropriate advertising. It argues that Meta’s business model prioritizes growth and profits over user safety, disproportionately putting vulnerable users, especially children, at risk.

Meta has consistently stated that it invests heavily in content moderation, scam prevention, and tools designed to protect young users. However, the lawsuit adds to growing legal and regulatory scrutiny facing the company in the U.S. and globally, as authorities increasingly question how social media platforms handle fraud, advertising accountability, and online harms involving children.