Meta Ran AI-Generated Child Abuse Material Ads Across Platforms
Researchers discovered more than 50 ads containing AI-generated child sexual abuse material that Meta Platforms had reviewed, approved, and allowed to run across its networks over nine months. The ads, which reached thousands of accounts in the US and Europe before being removed, were linked to nudify apps and paired images of minors with sexually suggestive text.
What happened
More than 50 paid ads containing explicit AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and images of minors with sexually suggestive text ran across Meta's platforms between November 2025 and August 2026. The ads appeared on Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and Threads, with some linking to so-called nudify or undressing apps.
Researchers at the Tech Transparency Project discovered the ads in Meta's ad library, which catalogs ads displayed on the company's platforms. Some ads used thumbnail images of children in sexual positions with text such as 'Realizing Deep Fantasies with Generation AI' and 'I can show you more.'
Reported impact
The ads reportedly reached thousands of accounts, with targeting across the United States, United Kingdom, and more than a dozen European countries. Although many ads had minimal reach when discovered, they remained available in Meta's ad library for months apparently undetected.
Index analysis
Meta's advertising standards specifically forbid ads containing content that sexually exploits or endangers children and ban sexually explicit adult content. The company reviews each ad before publication and relies on automated tools as part of this process.
Governance controls
Meta stated it removed the ads for violating its policies on child sexual abuse and exploitation material and adult sexual solicitation and nudity. The company noted it recently launched new AI technology to better detect and block violating ads at upload and is constantly improving these systems.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.