Meta Failed to Catch Hundreds of AI Child Abuse Ads. Some Included Images of Real Kids
Meta's AI ad-detection failed to catch 350+ CSAM video ads on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, some depicting images of real children.
The Tech Transparency Project found over 250 additional ads containing child sexual abuse material on Meta platforms since August, on top of ~53 previously removed, exceeding 350 total since late last year. Some ads used images of real children, including a European royal family minor and teen influencers, morphed into graphic sexual videos via AI face-swapping. Ads linked to nudification apps from Chinese developers and reached over 29,000 EU accounts plus thousands in the US, UK, Australia, and India.
- 350+ CSAM video ads ran across Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and Threads despite Meta ad review.
- Images of real children identified, including a European royal family member and teen influencers.
- Ads promoted AI nudification apps linked to Chinese developers on Apple and Google app stores.
- Meta's AI detection tools failed; some reported ads remained live for a week, gaining views.
- Researchers reported findings to NCMEC CyberTipline.
- Organizations
- MetaTech Transparency ProjectNCMECWIRED
- Countries
- United StatesAustraliaIndia
From the original article
9 min read at wired.com
Images of real children—including a member of a European royal family—were used to create some of the 350 ads containing child sexual abuse. Lawmakers say they plan to investigate.
By Matt Burgess · wired.com
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