Senators Demand Meta Be Investigated For Billions In Profits From Facebook Scams

Core Viewpoint - U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal and Josh Hawley are calling for an investigation into Meta Platforms, Inc. for allegedly profiting from fraudulent advertisements on its platforms, with claims that Meta could earn up to $16 billion annually from such activities [1][2]. Group 1: Allegations and Investigations - Senators have urged the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to conduct immediate investigations into Meta's practices [3]. - Internal documents suggest that Meta is involved in one-third of all successful scams in the U.S., indicating a significant role in facilitating fraudulent activities [4]. Group 2: Impact and Actions Requested - The senators demand enforcement actions that would require Meta to disgorge all profits from fraudulent advertising, impose civil penalties, and hold individual executives accountable [6]. - Allegations include that Meta has reduced its safety staff while investing heavily in AI, which the senators believe has worsened the situation, labeling Meta's platforms as harmful to consumers and national security [5].