Meta’s Monetization Dispute Moves to Small Claims Court
A recent legal case unfolding in Oregon is bringing attention to growing disputes between Meta and Facebook content creators over monetization restrictions. The case centers on unexplained account flagging and unpaid earnings, with implications for hundreds of creators worldwide.
The Case: Creator vs. Tech Giant
Facebook creator and small claims litigant Bouzad is seeking over $115,000 in damages against Meta, claiming the company wrongfully flagged his accounts with vague “MPV” (Monetization Policy Violation) infractions, delayed payments, and ignored his appeals. According to court documents, Meta initially owed Bouzad more than $40,000 in unpaid invoices from accounts that had been incorrectly flagged.
“Taking on Facebook, it’s not like you’re suing a mom and pop shop,” Bouzad stated in the proceedings. “You’re suing one of the largest businesses in the world, and it has caused a lot of stress.”
Beyond One Creator’s Fight
What began as Bouzad’s individual case has evolved into a collective effort. He is now representing fellow creators who experienced similar demonetization issues, compiling over 1,000 pages of court documents, screenshots, and news clippings to support their claims.
The stakes are significant for some involved. One UK-based creator whose dog-themed Facebook page was hit with an unexplained MPV violation previously generated over $60,000 from video ads in a single month. Another creator sought Bouzad’s help regarding three Facebook pages collectively boasting over 1.5 million followers, all of which have been demonetized by Meta.
Meta’s Legal Defense
Meta has disputed the claims, arguing that its terms of service explicitly prohibit users from transferring their rights to other parties without the company’s consent. The company contends that Bouzad lacks standing to represent other creators through case assignments.
Judge Partridge expressed concern about the technical legal complexities being presented by non-attorney litigants, indicating he needed additional time to determine whether Bouzad could proceed as an assignee in the case.
The Broader Context
This Oregon court battle highlights ongoing tensions between content creators and social media platforms over transparency in monetization policies and the enforcement of platform rules. Whether the judge rules in Bouzad’s favor could set a precedent for how creators can collectively challenge demonetization decisions through small claims proceedings.