TechXploreยท2025-06-17 12:20Core Viewpoint - A Baltimore lawyer, Barry Glazer, is suing Meta and Google for their role in facilitating unauthorized access to vacant properties through social media networks, which he claims poses a threat to legitimate property owners and increases liability and maintenance costs for real estate companies [2][3]. Group 1: Legal Action - The lawsuit is a proposed class-action complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for Maryland, targeting the proliferation of "squatter" networks on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube [2]. - Glazer's complaint highlights that these networks offer keys and tours of illegally accessed properties, which are often advertised as "squatter houses" [2]. - The complaint asserts that the illicit rentals lead to increased liability and maintenance costs for real estate companies, as well as extended vacancies that deprive them of sales income [2]. Group 2: Company Accountability - Glazer argues that Meta and Google have policies against fraudulent conduct but have failed to enforce these rules, leading to a belief among real estate companies that their properties were secure [3][4]. - Despite receiving reports and complaints about these schemes, Meta and Google have not taken adequate action to remove or prevent the content related to these unauthorized rentals [4]. Group 3: Local Response - Local leaders in Baltimore are committed to holding those involved in the "squatter house" trend accountable, with some aspects potentially reaching a criminal level [5]. - Maryland Governor Wes Moore has stated that the state is taking immediate action regarding the issue, indicating a broader concern about the impact of these networks on the community [5].