Meta removes ads for fraud apps posing as porn after India sounds alarm

Meta Platforms removed dozens of fraudulent advertisements across Facebook and Instagram after Indian authorities issued an advisory warning about malicious campaigns disguised as adult content. The fraudulent ads, operating under names such as 'Night Play' and 'Kyss', used sexually explicit video thumbnails to lure users into downloading external Android APK files designed to steal banking credentials, intercept one-time passwords, and unauthorizedly transfer funds. Reuters identified at least 39 active deceptive ads following the government warning, prompting Meta to initiate takedowns. Cyber-fraud losses in India surged to nearly $2.4 billion in 2025, driven by malicious actors exploiting the nation's rapid digital payments expansion. This development follows similar government actions directed at Google over scam patterns on its Firebase platform. The regulatory pressure highlights persistent scrutiny over Meta's ad moderation practices and content safety systems. Internal projections previously estimated that fraudulent and prohibited ads accounted for around 10% of the tech giant's revenue, creating ongoing compliance, legal, and reputational risks.