Meta removes escort service ads from Instagram

Meta's Instagram has faced scrutiny for running paid ads that promote sex work.

Meta removes ads promoting escort services on Instagram after CBS News report

CBS News reported that Meta has taken down paid advertisements on Instagram that led to Telegram channels promoting escort services. These ads were linked to an account called Royal Garden Club, which marketed itself as a premium dating service for wealthy men. Meta confirmed that it removed the violated ad accounts and banned those responsible for further advertising on its platforms. Furthermore, the company's policies against human exploitation and adult sexual solicitation were cited as the basis for the removals. The Royal Garden Club allegedly claimed to be a legal escort agency, though the service's legitimacy remains questionable. In recent months, Meta has struggled to control rising sexualized advertisements, including those promoting AI tools for creating explicit content, especially targeting male users of various ages.

The removal of these ads highlights ongoing tensions between social media platforms and the regulation of adult content. While Meta continues to enforce its content policies, the proliferation of such ads indicates the challenges they face in effectively monitoring their platforms. The incident raises questions about accountability and transparency, especially when such services can flourish on less regulated platforms like Telegram. As users demand stricter safeguards against exploitation, Meta's approach will need to evolve to regain user trust and ensure compliance with community standards.

Highlights

Meta's struggle to curb explicit ads signals a need for more stringent measures.