In big blow, Facebook set to get sued over biased ad algorithms

tech.hindustantimes.com:

The threat of a lawsuit is looming over Facebook as it faces allegations of biased advertisement algorithms. The Meta-owned social media platform in August agreed to the European Union's Digital Services Act (DSA) including restrictions on targeting ads at minors as well as ads based on gender or race. However, Facebook has come under scrutiny over a class action lawsuit filed against it in 2020, which alleges that the platform's ad algorithms discriminated against older people, not showing ads for insurance. While it was initially declared that the social media platform was safe from any lawsuits, it isn't the case anymore, according to the court. Here's what you need to know.

As per a report by The Verge, the case involves 48-year-old Samantha Liapes who tried to find an insurance provider via Facebook. However, the social media network's algorithms did not show her the relevant ads due to her gender as well as her age, the lawsuit claims. A previous ruling stated that Facebook was protected from lawsuits on the basis of Section 230 of the United States Code which protects publishers from lawsuits if the content is provided by another content provider.

However, California's First District Court of Appeal overruled the previous decision, stating that Facebook can be sued in violation of California's civil rights laws. As per a release by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), in the case of Samantha Liapes et al., v. Facebook, Inc., it has been made clear that Facebook is not immune from lawsuits and the allegations were sufficient for a lawsuit.

David Brody, managing attorney for the Digital Justice Initiative said in the release, “It is not acceptable to target and steer ads for important economic opportunities on