Meta Platforms has been fined up to $3.62 million in Brazil, following a lawsuit by Havan department store chain. The lawsuit alleges that Meta accepted fraudulent ads using Havan’s name, misleading consumers. A Santa Catarina state judge ordered Meta to block these ads within 48 hours, or face fines up to 20 million reais. Havan lauded the decision as a significant step in protecting its rights. Meta, which can appeal, has yet to comment. The case highlights concerns over Meta’s ad verification processes and potential consumer deception.

Earlier this year, Reuters’ fact-checking service in Brazil uncovered three deceptive Havan ads on Meta’s platforms that featured Hang’s image, all of which exhibited signs of artificial intelligence being used to mimic the businessman’s voice. These fraudulent ads prompted victims to pay for products that did not exist.