States Urge Meta Platforms to Crack Down on Scammers

States’ Concerns

Forty U.S. states and Washington, D.C. have called on Meta Platforms to take action against scammers who are increasingly hijacking Facebook and Instagram accounts. This surge in account takeovers has prompted states, led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, to urge Meta to address the growing issue.

Increasing Fraudulent Activity

The states highlighted a significant rise in scammers taking over accounts and manipulating passwords to gain unauthorized access to private information. They emphasized the alarming increase in complaints related to these incidents, with New York alone witnessing a 1,000% surge since 2019. This disturbing trend is a cause for concern for many states.

States’ Call to Action

State officials from Illinois, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Vermont have reported substantial spikes in complaints, demanding Meta’s immediate attention to safeguard users. They stressed the emotional impact of having one’s social media account compromised, likening it to an invasion of privacy similar to a home intrusion.

Proposed Solutions

The states have urged Meta to invest more resources in preventing account takeovers by ramping up security measures, increasing staff, and enhancing collaboration with affected users. They emphasized the importance of proactive measures to mitigate the risks associated with scammers and fraudulent activities.

Meta’s Response

Meta Platforms responded by emphasizing their ongoing efforts to combat compromised accounts through technological advancements and user education. The company assured that they are actively working with law enforcement agencies to address these issues and protect their users.

States United Against Meta

Additionally, a coalition of 41 states and Washington, D.C. previously sued Meta, alleging that the platform’s design fosters addiction among children, negatively impacting their mental well-being. This united front underscores the states’ determination to hold Meta accountable for their platform’s impact on society.