Meta removes dozens of ads after India flags malware scam on Facebook, Instagram

Meta has removed dozens of advertisements following an advisory from India, which flagged a pattern of sexually explicit content being used to lure users into downloading malware capable of stealing banking credentials and draining bank accounts. The government of India reported that ads under names such as Night Play and Kyss directed users to phishing websites, with at least 39 such ads still active despite the government's advisory.

Meta, the US technology giant, removed all the ads shortly after being alerted by Reuters, which first reported the removal. Meta's policies prohibit ads containing adult nudity and sexual activity, as well as advertisements for products, services, or offers using deceptive or misleading practices. This is the second time in recent weeks that India has raised concerns about financial fraud on a major technology platform, with Google also being directed to shut down accounts on its Firebase platform for similar activities.

Despite internal projections of scam and banned goods advertising generating about 10% of Meta's 2024 revenue, the company is actively cracking down on such ads.

Brief written by urgent.news from The Indian Express's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.