Meta Removes Malicious Sexually Explicit Ads After Indian Government Alert

Meta removed numerous advertisements from its Facebook and Instagram platforms after the Indian government issued an alert. The adverts reportedly used sexually explicit content to entice users into downloading malicious software. This software was designed to steal banking credentials and subsequently drain bank accounts, according to the alert.

Credit: UNSPLASH

India has recorded substantial financial losses due to cyber fraud. Government data indicates that nearly USD 2.4 billion was lost in 2025 alone. This figure reflects a growing trend as scam operators increasingly target the nation's expanding digital payments infrastructure. The scams exploit widespread reliance on online financial transactions.

The Indian government specifically highlighted adverts on Facebook and Instagram operating under names such as "Night Play" and "Kyss". These campaigns directed individuals to various phishing websites. And officials observed a noticeable increase in financial fraud instances involving what they described as malicious Android applications. These apps were masquerading as pornography applications, deceiving users into installation.

Despite the government's initial advisory, Reuters located at least 39 such adverts remaining active. Many of these adverts prominently featured sexually explicit video thumbnails, evidently designed to attract user clicks. Meta subsequently took down all of these flagged adverts shortly after Reuters brought them to the company's attention.

The Big Tech firm Meta maintains specific content policies for its advertising. These guidelines explicitly state that adverts must not contain adult nudity or sexual activity. But the policies also prohibit promotions for products, services, schemes, or offers that use deceptive or misleading practices, including those explicitly intended to defraud users of money. The removal of the adverts indicates a breach of these established rules.

This incident marks the second occasion in recent weeks where the Indian government has raised concerns regarding financial fraud on a significant technology platform. According to Reuters, the government had previously instructed Google to deactivate hundreds of accounts on its Firebase platform. This action followed findings that criminals were using the service to impersonate major banking institutions.

Internal projections from Meta had indicated that advertising for scams and prohibited goods was anticipated to generate approximately 10 per cent of its 2024 revenue. So, this would equate to roughly USD 16 billion for the organisation. This projection stands even as the company publicly states its efforts to increase enforcement against such advertisements, as Reuters reported last year.

One specific advert, still operational at the time of discovery, directed users to a website. This site promoted a video application that promised access to a large volume of pornographic videos and continuous content. Gaining access required users to directly download a file named "Movexa.apk". This process bypassed official app stores, which typically offer a layer of security and vetting for applications.

India's advisory detailed the capabilities of these malicious applications. The apps possessed the ability to covertly access information stored on users' mobile phones. They could also capture one time passwords and bank PINs. Ultimately, these applications were capable of transferring money from accounts without the account owner's explicit knowledge or consent. This allowed for significant financial theft.

• Meta removed dozens of adverts from Facebook and Instagram platforms.

• The adverts used sexually explicit content to distribute malware for stealing banking details.

• India reported nearly USD 2.4 billion in cyber fraud losses in 2025.

• The government had previously raised similar concerns about Google's Firebase platform.

• Meta's internal projections indicated significant revenue from scam and banned goods advertising.

Source: Reuters