Meta settles with Qatari billionaire over crypto scam ads
Prominent Qatari businessman and Janet Jackson’s ex-husband, Wissam al Mana, received a public apology from tech giant Meta as part of a settlement over crypto scam ads that used his likeness. On Friday, a court in Dublin heard Meta’s lawyers admit to “false, misleading and defamatory” ads that were published on Facebook in 2019, “by malicious third parties” without al Mana’s knowledge or consent. Details of the settle ment, agreed upon by both parties after a three-year battle, remain sealed. However, Meta has agreed to take “robust measures” against crypto scam ads in the future. As noted by the FT, it’s rare to see such a lengthy and expensive court battle waged against the tech giant. Al Mana is a prominent businessman in Qatar, helping to run his family’s Al-Mana Group — which distributes for well-known car and luxury brands like Hermès. The 48-year-old was previously married to popstar Janet Jackson. Th...