Social media corporation Meta announced on Tuesday the removal of 160,000 accounts suspected of child exploitation, along with over four million suspicious accounts across its Facebook and Instagram platforms.
Measures Against Malicious Users
Meta stated that it deleted 160,000 accounts for posting and distributing 'suspicious external links' in coordination with other indicators pointing to child exploitation activity. Overall, the company, which manages WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, automatically removed over four million suspicious accounts and 36 million pieces of content containing child sexual abuse material from Facebook and Instagram.
Platform Policies and Standards
In a Meta blog post, the company emphasized its commitment to preventing malicious users on its platforms and continuously improving systems to stay ahead of these individuals. The company stated that user safety remains a central element in shaping and enforcing its advertising standards.
In response to media reports suggesting that the company 'consciously and intentionally' showed advertisements featuring children to people showing inappropriate interest in children, Meta clarified that last year it used technology to identify and remove four million such accounts.
Monitoring and Oversight
The company uses both automated and manual checks to monitor and investigate advertiser behavior. Accounts that do not comply with Meta's advertising standards, public norms, or other terms are restricted. Recognizing that no system is perfect and that determined criminals will continue to try to use the platform, including advertising systems, Meta added that the review process may not detect every violation, but the company is continuously working to stay ahead of offenders through a robust ad review process.
Ministry of Technology's Reaction
Last week, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology drew attention to media reports that Instagram, Meta's photo and video sharing platform, was displaying advertisements promoting child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The Ministry sent a letter to Instagram requesting clarification on its advertising policy and demanded that top Meta executives appear in person to explain how such advertisements promoting CSAM could remain on the platform.
