Meta Can't Duck Most Android Ad Tracking Claims, Court Rules

A Sixth Circuit panel ruled Meta cannot avoid most claims over Android user ad tracking.

The Sixth Circuit panel's ruling on May 12, 2026, means Meta will have to defend itself against most claims that it exploited Android device vulnerabilities to link user browsing data to their advertising profiles.

• Claimants allege Meta’s actions enabled it to build detailed ad profiles without user consent.
• Judge Rita Lin noted that, “From those allegations of secretive and evasive behavior that was surprising even to technical experts, it is reasonable to infer that plaintiffs did not give Meta permission to evade Android’s sandboxing in this way and that Meta knew it was acting without permission.”

This case is one in a series of legal battles for Meta over data privacy and consumer protection. In March 2026, a New Mexico jury ordered Meta to pay $375 million related to safety and child endangerment on its platforms (press release). In April, Massachusetts courts allowed claims over Meta’s design of Instagram for compulsive use among children.

These rulings signal intensifying judicial scrutiny of Big Tech's data practices, making compliance and legal risk assessment critical for industry participants.