Facebook Class Action over Use of Minors in Social Advertising

Yesterday, plaintiffs' attorneys filed a class action in Los Angeles County Superior Court against Facebook, Inc. over the use of names and likenesses of California minors in advertising on the social networking website. When a Facebook user "Likes" an advertisement, that user's name and likeness may appear within advertisements on Facebook as an endorsement for commercial products or services. California law requires parental consent to use a minor's name or likeness "for purposes of advertising or selling, or soliciting purchases of, products, merchandise, goods or services". The complaint also alleges violations of California privacy and unfair competition laws.