- £3bn lawsuit approved against Meta by a judge.
- Representing 45 million Facebook users, Dr. Liza Lovdahl Gormsen alleges unfair data practices.
- Users seek £2.07-3.1bn compensation for data sharing with third parties.
- Meta denies claims, vows to vigorously defend against them.
- Lawsuit scheduled for early 2026 hearing at the Competition Appeal Tribunal.
Meta faces a £3 billion lawsuit: users claim unfair data practices :
A judge has approved a massive legal challenge against Facebook’s parent company, Meta, with a potential value of up to £3 billion. Dr. Liza Lovdahl Gormsen represents 45 million Facebook users in a complaint alleging Meta’s unfair tactics. Despite an unsuccessful first attempt to sue Meta in 2023, the updated claim has now been accepted. The action, supported by Innsworth, is set for a hearing in early 2026 at the latest.
Unfair data practices :
The lawsuit demands £2.07 to £3.1 billion in compensation for Facebook users between February 2016 and October 2023. It accuses Meta of coercing users into sharing their information with non-Facebook goods like Instagram and third-party websites. Users argue that sharing data with these businesses has become a must for accessing the Facebook network, resulting in a “take-it-or-leave-it” option. As a result, UK Facebook users allege that they have not been adequately compensated for the commercial value of their data, which is critical to Meta’s targeted advertising business.
Meta’s Defence :
Meta firmly denies the allegations, proclaiming them “entirely without merit” and vowing to forcefully defend against them. The business emphasises that the “fundamental concerns” identified by the tribunal in its February 2023 decision remain unanswered. Despite the judicial actions, Meta continues its defence against the allegations.
Conclusion :
As the action moves forward to the Competition Appeal Tribunal, Meta faces significant legal hurdles to its data practices. The outcome of this case is expected to have far-reaching consequences for how computer companies manage user data, including setting precedents for future litigation in comparable sectors. As people expect greater transparency and responsibil