Meta removes fraud app ads in India, after being asked twice

Meta removed dozens of ads for apps masquerading as pornography but delivering banking malware after an Indian government advisory, then deleted 39 additional ads after a Reuters inquiry. The malware captured one-time passwords and PINs, enabling unauthorized transfers, and exploited the privacy-sensitive nature of pornographic content to reduce user reporting. India’s $2.4 billion cyber-fraud loss in 2025 and Meta’s large user base amplify the impact of these advertising-based threats.