Instagram, Facebook Served Thousands of AI 'Nudify' Ads From China Despite Policy Ban: Report

Meta-owned social media platforms Instagram and Facebook allegedly displayed thousands of advertisements promoting AI-powered "nudify" apps through a China-based advertising partner, despite the company's rules prohibiting such content, according to a report by the nonprofit Tech Transparency Project (TTP). The report claims that Beijing-based GatherOne Inc., one of Meta's official advertising partners in China, was responsible for placing nearly 7,600 advertisements for apps capable of generating fake nude images or sexually explicit videos using artificial intelligence. These apps reportedly allow users to manipulate photographs by digitally removing clothing or swapping faces onto explicit content without consent.

The findings have renewed concerns over the growing misuse of generative AI technology and the ability of major social media platforms to prevent harmful advertisements from reaching millions of users. According to TTP, several of the promoted apps violated Meta's advertising policies, which explicitly ban content encouraging non-consensual intimate imagery or services that claim to "undress" people using AI. Investigators also identified one China-developed app that allegedly enabled the sharing of material flagged by users as child sexual abuse content, making the issue even more alarming.

Katie Paul, Director of the Tech Transparency Project, criticised Meta's enforcement efforts, alleging that the company appeared to have given preferential treatment to one of its leading Chinese advertising partners despite repeated policy violations. The organisation argued that the widespread appearance of these ads raises questions about the effectiveness of Meta's ad review and moderation systems.

Meta said it has strict policies against non-consensual intimate imagery and advertisements promoting nudify applications. The company stated that advertisers found violating its rules can face ad removals, financial penalties, suspension of advertising accounts, and permanent bans from its platforms. GatherOne also responded to the allegations, saying it maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward adult content, deceptive advertising, child exploitation, and AI-generated explicit material. The company added that it has suspended the creation of new advertising accounts related to AI nudify and face-swap services while upgrading its compliance systems.

Although Facebook and Instagram remain inaccessible in mainland China, Chinese businesses continue to rely on advertising partners such as GatherOne to promote products and services to international audiences. The report also highlights the financial significance of Chinese advertisers for Meta, with the company previously reporting billions of dollars in annual revenue linked to the Chinese market.

The controversy comes despite Meta's recent efforts to crack down on AI-generated explicit content. In 2025, the company filed a lawsuit against the developers behind the AI nudify app CrushAI, accusing them of repeatedly attempting to bypass Meta's advertising review process. Meta has also introduced new detection systems and expanded efforts to identify and remove ads promoting such services.

Experts say the latest revelations highlight the growing challenge social media companies face as AI tools become more sophisticated. While generative AI has opened new possibilities for creativity and productivity, its misuse for creating deepfake pornography and non-consensual explicit content continues to outpace platform enforcement efforts. The report is expected to intensify calls for stronger regulation of AI-generated content, improved advertiser verification, and more robust safeguards to prevent harmful technologies from being promoted through mainstream social media platforms.