They’re not friends: B.C. court approves class-action lawsuit against Facebook

VANCOUVER – Social-media giant Facebook faces a class-action lawsuit after a B.C. Supreme court judge approved the legal action by a Vancouver woman over one of the firm's advertising products.

Justice Susan Griffin says enough evidence exists to support allegations made by Louise Douez that the Facebook program titled Sponsored Stories used the names and images of members without their consent.

Griffin says Sponsored Stories included the names and images of members, an advertising logo, product information, and the products were sent to other Facebook members.

Griffin's ruling says there's also enough evidence to support allegations that the company breached the province's Privacy Act.

Facebook says in a statement that the product is no longer available to advertisers, that the lawsuit has no merit and the company plans to appeal the ruling.

Griffin says the lawsuit covers B.C. residents who were Facebook members between Jan. 1, 2011 and May 30, 2014, who used their real name or portraits on the website and who were included in the Sponsored Stories.