Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has sued Meta for $5 million over alleged privacy invasion. He claims a false video on Facebook misrepresented his health status, causing reputational damage. Falana seeks damages and demands Meta remove the misleading content. The case raises concerns about digital privacy and misinformation.
Renowned Nigerian human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has filed a $5 million lawsuit against Meta Platforms Inc., accusing the tech giant of violating his privacy. The case, brought before a Lagos High Court, centers on a misleading video published on Facebook that allegedly misrepresented Falana’s health status.
According to the suit, the video, posted under the name "AfriCare Health Centre," falsely claimed that Falana had been battling prostatitis for years. The senior advocate argues that this is entirely untrue and has caused him emotional distress, reputational harm, and an unjustified invasion of his privacy. He cites violations of Nigeria’s Data Protection Act 2023 and Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees citizens' right to privacy.
Falana is demanding that Meta immediately remove the video and issue an apology for the alleged misinformation. He asserts that the social media giant acted recklessly by allowing such content to be published without verification. He also claims the video has been widely viewed and has tarnished his image as a respected legal practitioner.
Beyond financial damages, the lawsuit raises broader concerns about online privacy, misinformation, and the accountability of digital platforms. Legal experts suggest that this case could set a significant precedent for digital rights and data protection in Nigeria.
The lawsuit adds to ongoing global discussions on the responsibilities of social media companies in managing false information and protecting individuals' rights.
