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Friday, April 19, 2024 | Back issues
Courthouse News Service Courthouse News Service

Facebook Allows Text Messaging |To Strangers, Users Claim

SAN FRANCISCO (CN) - Facebook lets online users send text messages to cell phone numbers that have been reassigned to new customers who do not want the messages, a class action claims in Federal Court.

The social-networking company's "Facebook Mobile" service allows members to text message the cell phone numbers of other Facebook members. But because some numbers have been reassigned to new cell-phone users, plaintiffs claim, thousands of unauthorized text messages are sent day and night across the nation.

"New cell phone users are now being assailed with invitations to parties by people they do not know, requests to be designated a 'friend' on Facebook's Web site, and other often obscure and graphic messages," the lawsuit states.

Other significant problems with the service, plaintiffs claim, are that it invades privacy rights and allows adults seeking sexual encounters to inadvertently text message children. Plaintiffs seek an injunction and damages. They are represented by Alan Himmelfarb of Kamberedelson LLC. See complaint.

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