Update: Market Chatter: Meta Liable for Fake Ads on Facebook, Instagram, German Court Rules

08:10 AM EDT, 09/17/2026 (MT Newswires) -- (Updates with Meta spokesperson's response in fifth paragraph.) Meta Platforms (META) was held liable by a German court for fake advertisements posted by third parties on Facebook and Instagram, Reuters reported Thursday. The court, according to the report, ordered Meta to remove the content, pay damages, and disclose details of the advertisements and revenue generated from them. The ruling found Meta could not rely on the Digital Services Act's lack-of-knowledge defense, citing its control over content through algorithms and advertising practices, it said. The ruling is not final and may be appealed, according to the report. A Meta spokesperson told MT Newswires the company "disagrees with this decision" and is "considering next steps." (Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)