By Sara Brandstätter ( September 16, 2026, 16:00 GMT | Insight) -- Meta is liable for fake advertisements and profiles on Facebook and Instagram and cannot invoke the Digital Services Act’s hosting liability exemption because its algorithms gave it control over the distribution of the disputed content, the Frankfurt Regional Court has ruled, according to its press officer. The case concerned third-party advertisements and profiles using the name and image of Thomas Kehl, founder of German financial-education brand Finanzfluss, to steer users towards fraudulent investment recommendations.Meta is liable for fake advertisements and profiles on Facebook and Instagram and cannot invoke the Digital Services Act’s hosting liability exemption because its algorithms gave it control over the distribution of the disputed content, the Frankfurt Regional Court has ruled, according to its press officer....
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