Meta Accused of Running Thousands of AI "Nudify" Ads on Facebook and Instagram

Meta Platforms Inc. allowed thousands of advertisements for AI-powered "nudify" apps to appear on Facebook and Instagram, despite company policies prohibiting such content, according to a report by the nonprofit Tech Transparency Project (TTP), Newley Purnell reported for Bloomberg News.

A watchdog group alleges Meta allowed thousands of advertisements promoting AI-generated nude-image apps on its platforms.

According to the report, Beijing-based GatherOne Inc., an advertising partner that helps Chinese companies buy ads on Meta's platforms, was responsible for approximately 7,600 advertisements promoting mobile apps capable of placing women's faces onto nude bodies and generating sexually explicit deepfake videos.

The report highlighted one China-developed app that allegedly allows users to share material that some have flagged as child sexual abuse material.

Meta's advertising policies prohibit sexually suggestive advertisements and ads promoting apps that claim to digitally remove clothing from people depicted in images.

The Tech Transparency Project, which monitors major technology companies, said the findings demonstrate repeated failures by large technology firms to prevent the spread of AI-generated explicit content.

Governments, victims, and advocacy groups have increasingly urged technology companies to take stronger action against so-called deepfake pornography.

"Meta appears to be giving a free pass to one of its top Chinese advertising partners when it comes to nudify ads," said Katie Paul, director of the Tech Transparency Project.

Paul added that the findings appear inconsistent with Meta's stated policies banning advertisements for deepfake nude-generation apps and suggested the company prioritizes advertising revenue over user safety.