Facebook’s parent company has conceded Australia has jurisdiction over a criminal case linked to iron ore billionaire Andrew Forrest, with the matter now likely to go to trial.
The mining magnate claims the tech giant has failed to stop clickbait advertising scams, which promote bogus investment schemes, from using his image since March 2019.
Facebook, which is owned by Meta Platforms, had previously argued the court had no jurisdiction over the matter but on Tuesday finally conceded that point in Perth Magistrates Court.
Mr Forrest, who is the founder of Fortescue Metals Group, alleges Facebook was criminally reckless by not taking sufficient steps to stop its platform from being used to display scam advertisements used to defraud people.
Lawyer Simon Clark told reporters outside court that it was a “bit of a milestone day”.
“First time they (Facebook) actually have conceded jurisdiction in the Australian courts,” he said.
“We’re looking forward to just getting on with the committal proceedings.”
Mr Clark said he expected the case to go to trial.
The matter will return to court on November 4.
Mr Clark said as far as he knew the fraudulent advertisements were still appearing on the platform as of a few months ago.
“Definitely an issue that’s long standing for three years and they haven’t been able to rectify that it seems,” he said.
“That’s a matter that will be before the court, no doubt.”
If convicted, the tech giant could face a fine, Mr Clark added.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is separately pursuing civil legal action in the Federal Court.
Meta Platforms is seeking a stay in that matter.
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