Meta Accused of Profiting From Billions in Fraudulent Ads
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Meta platforms—Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and WhatsApp—are reportedly generating substantial revenue from fraudulent advertising, with as much as one-tenth of the company’s earnings linked to deceptive content, according to a new investigation. The findings raise serious questions about the social media giant’s responsibility to protect its users from scams.
The alarming data, based on internal documents obtained by Reuters, reveals that approximately 15 billion fraudulent ads circulate daily across Meta’s platforms. These scams take various forms, exploiting users with promises of investment opportunities, easy refunds, and discounted tickets—often leveraging the trusted imagery of public figures. Examples include advertisements featuring Italian television personality Fabio Fazio promoting a fund “approved by Consob,” posts mimicking the official PagoPa logo promising refunds, and messages offering concert tickets at half price.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence
The proliferation of these scams is significantly aided by artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, which are used to target vulnerable users and amplify the reach of deceptive content. This creates a troubling paradox: a technology designed to enhance user experience is simultaneously enabling widespread fraud.
“It’s a systemic issue,” stated a senior official familiar with the Reuters investigation. “Meta isn’t simply failing to stop these scams; the architecture of their platform actively facilitates them.”
Financial Incentives and User Harm
The investigation alleges that Meta is aware of the problem but continues to profit from it. The data suggests that roughly 10% of the company’s total revenue is derived from ads promoting scams that defraud citizens. This raises ethical concerns about whether Meta prioritizes profit over user safety.
“How is it possible that a company that dominates global communication can profit from mechanisms that harm its own users?” questioned a digital ethics analyst.
Discussion on “Pillole di Eta Beta”
The issue will be further explored in a new episode of “Pillole di Eta Beta”—an Italian radio course on artificial intelligence—broadcast on Tuesday, November 11th, at 11:45 AM on Rai Radio1. The program, hosted by Massimo Cerofolini and directed by Mimmi Micocci, features Beta, a talking AI, and will include commentary from Stefano Epifani, president of the Digital Sustainability Foundation. The episode will delve into the implications of the Reuters investigation and potential solutions to combat online fraud.
The discussion will also be available as a podcast on RaiPlay Sound.
The revelations underscore the urgent need for greater transparency and accountability from social media companies regarding the content that appears on their platforms and the financial incentives that drive their algorithms. The question remains: can Meta balance its pursuit of profit with its responsibility to protect its billions of users from increasingly sophisticated online scams?
