Meta Takes Action Against Celeb Bait Scams
Meta has sued the people and groups behind three scam operations that used images and deepfakes of celebrities to lure users to scam websites. Meanwhile, the company is taking steps to improve its detection of scam ads. Additionally, Meta has enrolled more than 500,000 celebrities and public figures into its facial recognition system to automatically detect scam ads using the faces of famous people.
Celeb Bait Scams: A Long-Running Problem
However, fraudulent ads that use manipulated images of public figures have been a long-running problem for the company. For example, Engadget has previously documented celeb bait scams on Facebook, including ones that frequently use Elon Musk and Fox News personalities to hawk fake cures for diabetes. Furthermore, the Oversight Board has also criticized the company for not doing enough to combat such scams.
Therefore, Meta is taking action against the groups behind the celeb bait ads. The company has filed lawsuits against several people in Brazil who promoted fake or unapproved healthcare products and online courses promoting them. Moreover, Meta also sued a China-based entity it says used ads featuring celebrities as part of a larger fraud scheme that lured people into joining so-called investment groups.
Meta’s Efforts to Combat Scam Ads
Meanwhile, Meta is upgrading its ability to detect scam ads that use cloaking, which has at times hindered its internal review systems. Additionally, the company is taking legal action against eight former Meta Business Partners, who promoted services that would un-ban or other account restoration services. However, the company says it will consider taking additional legal action, including litigation, if they don’t comply with cease and desist orders.
Finally, Meta’s handling of scammy advertisers has come under increased scrutiny in recent months after Reuters reported that researchers at the company at one point estimated that as much as 10 percent of its ad revenue could be coming from scams and banned products. Therefore, the company is taking steps to improve its detection of scam ads and prevent them from appearing on its platform.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about celeb bait scams and Meta’s efforts to combat them:
- What are celeb bait scams? Celeb bait scams are fraudulent ads that use manipulated images of public figures to lure users to scam websites.
- How is Meta combating celeb bait scams? Meta is taking action against the groups behind the celeb bait ads, upgrading its ability to detect scam ads, and enrolling celebrities and public figures into its facial recognition system.
- What can I do to avoid falling victim to celeb bait scams? Be cautious of ads that use images of celebrities to promote products or services, and never click on links or provide personal information to unfamiliar websites.
- How many celebrities and public figures has Meta enrolled in its facial recognition system? Meta has enrolled more than 500,000 celebrities and public figures into its facial recognition system.
- What is Meta doing to prevent scam ads from appearing on its platform? Meta is upgrading its ability to detect scam ads, taking legal action against scammy advertisers, and improving its internal review systems.
In conclusion, Meta is taking action against celeb bait scams and upgrading its ability to detect scam ads. However, it is also important for users to be cautious of ads that use images of celebrities to promote products or services, and never click on links or provide personal information to unfamiliar websites.
