Meta served thousands of ads for AI 'nudify' apps from China
Meta's Facebook and Instagram platforms served approximately 7,600 advertisements for AI applications that create non-consensual intimate imagery, delivered by a Beijing-based advertising partner, according to a watchdog report. The ads violated Meta's stated policies against deepfake pornography and related content.
What happened
Meta Platforms' Facebook and Instagram served thousands of ads for AI 'nudify' apps in violation of the company's policies, according to the nonprofit Tech Transparency Project. Beijing-based GatherOne Inc., which connects Chinese firms seeking to advertise on Meta's services, was responsible for some 7,600 ads for mobile apps that can transpose women's faces onto naked bodies and create sexualized videos.
One app created in China that GatherOne promoted allows for the sharing of material some users have flagged as child pornography. Meta's rules prohibit sexually suggestive ads or those for apps that purport to strip the persons depicted.
Reported impact
The Tech Transparency Project found repeated failures from Meta and other tech companies to curb such apps, with regulators, victims and their families around the world calling on tech firms to do more to combat deepfake porn services.
Index analysis
The findings contradict Meta's public statements about prohibiting ads for deepfake-nude apps and suggest the company prioritizes ad revenue over concern for its users, according to the Tech Transparency Project. GatherOne stated it complies with Meta's advertising policies and maintains a zero-tolerance policy against deceptive practices, adult content, non-consensual explicit AI-generated material, child exploitation and fraud.
Governance controls
Meta stated that all advertisers must comply with its advertising standards, and failure to comply can lead to cancellation of ads, financial penalties, and termination of ad accounts. Meta's Head of Women's Safety Policy said the company does not allow non-consensual intimate imagery or nudify apps and takes aggressive steps to combat them.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.