Facebook and Instagram are facing legal action for allegedly placing corporate advertisements from companies like Walmart and Match Group next to content that could potentially promote child sexual exploitation, according to a lawsuit filed by the New Mexico attorney general, Raúl Torrez.
The lawsuit, which builds on a previous Guardian investigation, claims that Meta, Facebook’s parent company, has enabled adults to exploit minors for sexual purposes.
Torrez states, “New evidence indicates Meta officials are duping corporate advertisers and permitting sponsored content to appear alongside deeply disturbing images and videos that violate Meta’s promised standards.”
The legal complaint reveals a correspondence between Meta, Walmart, and Match, where advertisers expressed concerns about their material being placed next to graphic and potentially illegal content.
Match notified Meta that its dating app ads appeared alongside “disturbing” content on Reels, and short videos on Facebook and Instagram.
The complaint mentions Match adverts being featured in a Facebook Group with graphic content titled “Only women are slaughtered.”
Walmart also raised concerns in October, stating that Meta’s attention to brand safety issues had “disappeared.”
Meta confirmed that Walmart ads were displayed on unapproved channels, acknowledging some exposure to unapproved placements.
The filing includes new evidence suggesting child predators can allegedly find victims through Instagram, with users discussing how to lure minors.
The complaint highlights the absence of controls preventing unknown adults from messaging minors on the platform.
The lawsuit claims that Meta’s tools are ineffective in dealing with content promoting child exploitation.
The filing includes evidence of investigators finding posts and accounts on Instagram depicting or promoting abusive content involving little girls.
Although reported, Meta allegedly removed only half of the images, with the content often reappearing or alternative problematic content being recommended.
Meta, Match, and Walmart did not respond to requests for comment at the time of press.
The lawsuit emphasizes the larger issue that Meta’s claims about its platform’s content and tools are false.
Lawsuit Accuses Facebook And Instagram Of Placing Ads Next To Disturbing Content, Lawsuit Accuses Facebook And Instagram Of Placing Ads Next To Disturbing Content