Meta Faces Expulsion Threat in Thailand Over Crypto Scams

In order to stop the growth of fraudulent cryptocurrency investment schemes on the platform, Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) has issued a severe ultimatum to Meta’s Facebook. Expulsion from the nation could occur if this is not done.

Cracking Down on Crypto Scams

According to a formal statement published on the Ministry’s website, these misleading advertising have had a huge negative impact, with over 200,000 people becoming their victims. The Minister in charge of DES, Chaiwut Thanakmanusorn, has taken a decisive action by asking a Thai court to draft an order that, if Facebook doesn’t comply with the direction, may result in the platform being shut down by the end of the month.

Meta’s Changing Stance on Cryptocurrency Ads

As noted by CoinDesk, Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has progressively loosened its limits on advertisements connected to cryptocurrencies and the blockchain over the past three years. Since Meta now accepts regulatory licenses as part of the vetting procedure, the requirements for running these advertising have expanded.

Past Legal Battles

Lawsuits have been fought over Meta’s developing strategy for crypto ads. Australia’s Competition and Consumer Commission initiated legal action against the business in March 2022. The claim in the case was that Meta had engaged in dishonest, deceptive, or unfair business practices by approving the publication of fraudulent cryptocurrency advertising involving well-known Australian celebrities.

Regulators are stepping up their efforts to safeguard consumers from fraudulent schemes as the cryptocurrency landscape continues to change. With regard to the marketing of cryptocurrency-related information on their platforms, tech behemoths like Meta are not exempt from regulatory oversight, as Thailand’s swift action provides as a reminder. The result of this ultimatum may have significant repercussions for Meta’s operations in Thailand and possibly serve as a model for how social media platforms throughout the world handle marketing linked to cryptocurrencies.