Meta tells Bombay HC it disabled ad accounts over alleged scam and sexual services ads

Meta Platforms has told India's High Court that it disabled four advertising manager accounts belonging to Blink Digital due to allegations that the agency offered advertisers "limitless spend" and permitted ads promoting scams and sexual services. The arguments were presented by Meta's counsel before Justice Sandeep V Marne on October 12.

Meta claims Blink Digital attracted advertisers by offering spending without the usual limits, which Meta employs to assess creditworthiness. The company further alleges that Blink Digital allowed ads promoting scams and sexual services, violating Meta's policies and Indian law. Meta also contends that the dispute should be resolved in a California court under Californian law, citing an exclusive jurisdiction clause in its commercial terms.

Blink Digital has sought the restoration of its accounts and pages, a declaration that Meta's actions were arbitrary and unlawful, and damages amounting to Rs 1,158 crore. The court has not yet ruled on these claims or Meta's arguments regarding jurisdiction. Meta disabled the accounts on August 3, providing reasons on August 4.

The case's timeline includes Blink Digital filing its suit on September 8. Earlier court orders allowed Blink to sue Meta's US parent company in Mumbai, based on the argument that part of the dispute arose there as Blink received Meta's notices in Mumbai. The hearing is adjourned to October 13.