Publishers in Sweden, represented by the organization Utgivarna, have escalated their concerns over fraudulent advertisements on Facebook by formally contacting the EU Commission. They argue that these advertisements are in violation of the Digital Services Act (DSA) and pose a risk to innocent individuals, damaging the credibility of media outlets and journalists who are falsely associated with these ads. Utgivarnas chairman, James Savage, emphasized the negative impact of such deception on public trust and the integrity of accredited journalists.

The organization has previously taken legal action against Meta, the parent company of Facebook, including a police report against CEO Mark Zuckerberg for fraud, alleging that the company has failed to take adequate measures to prevent the spread of these fraudulent ads. The appeal to the EU Commission is a concerted effort to hold Meta accountable and ensure compliance with EU regulations designed to protect users from misleading advertising. This initiative highlights the increasing scrutiny that social media companies face regarding their responsibilities in moderating content.

If the appeal is investigated by the EU, it could lead to significant ramifications not only for Meta but also set a precedent for how similar cases are treated under the DSA framework. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the push for stronger enforcement measures against fraudulent advertising is becoming increasingly important for safeguarding consumer rights and media integrity.