Facebook sued for children ‘liking’ products
A dad is suing Facebook for not getting permission from parents or guardians before letting members of the online social network know when children “Like” brands. “We believe this suit is completely without merit and we will fight it vigorously,” Facebook said in an email response to an AFP inquiry.
Lawyers representing Scott Nastro and his son in a US district court in New York want the case to include all Facebook members in the state younger than 18 years old whose names or likenesses have been used in “Social Ads.” The civil suit filed on Tuesday accused California-based Facebook of misappropriating names or likenesses of Nastro’s child and other minors to promote products or services as well as to expand its ranks of members.
“Facebook Inc. appears to be continually seeking new ways to use the names and likenesses of its members, including children, for its own marketing purposes,” attorney Lee Squitieri said in court documents. In late 2007, Facebook launched Social Ads that pair related online advertising with members’ actions such as writing reviews for restaurants or indicating that they “Like” a brand. The lawsuit argued that such links involving underage Facebook members constitute unauthorized endorsements.
Personally, I think that children are innocent and should NEVER be used as pawns in any way, shape or form! Do you agree? Please comment, I would love to know.
Pretty soon Facebook is going to earn the reputation of Fraudbook! That being said, keep your children off the social network and stop suing for stupid reasons! I would love to see a cap imposed on damages that would make suing not worthwhile. We have far too many lawsuits in this Country! It comes as no surprise to anyone that Facebook sells your soul for money. Were YOU born under a rock? Get with the program buddy.