Meta has taken a firm stance against fraudulent advertising by filing lawsuits against several entities in Brazil and China that allegedly used celebrity deepfakes to deceive consumers.These scams, often referred to as "celeb bait," exploit the images and likenesses of well-known figures to lure users into engaging with deceptive ads that lead to scam websites.
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engadget.compymnts.comThe legal actions target multiple operations, including Vitor Lourenço de Souza and Milena Luciani Sanchez in Brazil, who are accused of promoting unapproved healthcare products through altered images and voices of celebrities.Another Brazilian entity, B&B Suplementos e Cosméticos Ltda., allegedly created deepfakes of a prominent physician to market unregulated healthcare offerings while also selling courses that teach similar deceptive practices.
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techbuzz.aiabout.fb.comIn addition to the Brazilian operations, the lawsuit also addresses Shenzhen Yunzheng Technology Co in China, which reportedly ran ads targeting users in the US and Japan as part of a broader scheme to recruit victims into fraudulent investment groups.
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techbuzz.aiMeta has stated that the ads often request personal information or financial contributions from unsuspecting users, further compounding the issue of online fraud.
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pymnts.comMeta’s response includes not only legal action but also technical measures.The company has suspended payment methods used by these scammers, blocked their website domains, and deactivated their accounts on its platforms.This multifaceted approach underscores Meta's commitment to combating scams and holding those who exploit its platforms accountable.
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engadget.comabout.fb.comThe issue of celeb bait scams has been a persistent challenge for Meta, prompting the company to implement new AI detection tools designed to protect the images of over 500,000 celebrities and public figures.These tools help identify and mitigate the impact of scams that use cloaking techniques to evade detection systems.
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techbuzz.aiabout.fb.comScammers have increasingly turned to sophisticated methods, including artificial intelligence, to create convincing fraudulent content that can mislead even the most discerning users.
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engadget.comRecent reports suggest that a significant portion of Meta's advertising revenue could be linked to scams, with estimates indicating that up to 10% of its revenue may derive from such deceptive practices.
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pymnts.comThis has raised concerns among lawmakers, leading to calls for stricter regulations on online advertising to ensure platforms take adequate measures against fraudulent ads.
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pymnts.comMeta’s ongoing efforts include collaboration with law enforcement agencies worldwide to dismantle scam operations, as seen in its recent partnership with authorities in the UK and Nigeria that led to the arrest of seven individuals involved in a major scam center.
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about.fb.comThe company emphasizes that it will continue to pursue legal action against those who engage in deceptive practices, reinforcing its commitment to protect users and maintain the integrity of its platforms.
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engadget.comIn conclusion, Meta's lawsuits against the scammers in Brazil and China mark a significant escalation in its battle against online fraud.As the landscape of digital advertising evolves, the company is determined to implement both technical and legal strategies to combat the rising tide of scams that threaten consumer trust and safety.
