Meta Removes Fraudulent Ads Following Indian Government Advisory
· Technology · Economic Times, Reuters
Meta has removed dozens of advertisements from Facebook and Instagram after the Indian government flagged them for directing users to phishing websites. The malicious Android applications, which operated under names like "Night Play" and "Kyss," used sexually explicit content to lure users into downloading malware. These fraudulent apps were designed to steal banking credentials and drain user accounts, contributing to a broader rise in cyber-fraud across India. While the government reported nearly $2.4 billion in cyber-fraud losses in 2025, Meta's own policies explicitly prohibit ads containing adult nudity or deceptive practices. The company took down the identified ads shortly after they were brought to its attention by Reuters.
Why it matters
The removal of these ads addresses a critical security threat to Indian digital-payment users who are increasingly targeted by sophisticated phishing scams. It highlights the ongoing pressure on global tech platforms to enforce their own safety policies to prevent financial theft.
Read the original report — Economic Times
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