Femi Falana Sues Meta For $5M Over Privacy Violation
Renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has filed a $5 million lawsuit against Meta Platforms Inc., accusing the social media giant of privacy violations and misinformation.
Falana’s lawsuit, filed at the Lagos High Court, stems from a misleading video published on Facebook under the name “AfriCare Health Centre.” The video falsely claimed that Falana had been battling prostatitis for years, an assertion he describes as completely untrue.
He argues that:
The false information has caused emotional distress, reputational harm, and an invasion of privacy.
Meta violated Nigeria’s Data Protection Act 2023 and Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the right to privacy.
Facebook acted recklessly by allowing such content to spread without verification.
Falana is seeking:
Immediate removal of the false video.
A public apology from Meta.
$5 million in damages for reputational harm.
The lawsuit raises critical concerns about digital privacy, misinformation, and the accountability of tech giants. Legal experts suggest that the case could set a major precedent for data protection and digital rights in Nigeria.
The case also adds to the global debate on the responsibility of social media companies in curbing false information and safeguarding individual rights.
