Summary
Meta, the company that owns Facebook and Instagram, has been accused of allowing businesses that use AI-generated ads and fake stories to mislead shoppers. These businesses pretended to be UK-based but actually shipped poor-quality goods from Asia. Meta has responded by removing six companies involved in the scam.
Key Facts
- Meta is accused of not stopping businesses that use AI-generated ads to deceive customers on Facebook and Instagram.
- Over 60 individuals reported being tricked by ads pretending to be from UK businesses.
- The ads used fake images and stories to look more trustworthy.
- Meta removed content from six companies after being alerted by the BBC.
- The companies falsely claimed to be based in the UK but shipped items from countries like China and Hong Kong.
- Meta is working with an organization called Stop Scams UK to protect users from fraud.
- Some consumers, like Claire Brown, bought items thinking they were from trusted UK brands but were disappointed with poor-quality products.
