Twitter says it inadvertently ran ads on profiles containing CSAM
Twitter is still struggling to curb the spread of CSAM (child sexual abuse material). Insider has learned (subscription required) that Twitter has inadvertently shown ads on profiles selling or soliciting CSAM. In an email to marketers, the social network said it had suspended all profile ads, updated its detection systems, banned accounts that violated its rules and launched an investigation. Reuters notes that Coca-Cola, Disney and NBCUniversal were among the brands whose ads appeared alongside the offending content.
Existing technology had already blocked more than 91% of accounts like these, Twitter said. In its latest Transparency Report, the company said it took action against 31% more CSAM-linked accounts in the second half of 2021.
A Twitter spokesperson confirmed the incident and investigation in a statement. In addition to existing work to catch CSAM, the company said it is making sure it has the "right models, processes and products" in place to protect both advertisers and users.
The news is untimely for Twitter. This comes just weeks after The Verge reported that Twitter had abandoned efforts to create an OnlyFans clone over concerns it could not effectively detect CSAM and other forms of sexual abuse. . It's also emerging as social media continues to tussle with Elon Musk over the fate of his potentially canceled $44 billion acquisition. Musk focused most of his objections on the alleged misrepresentation of false account data.
There was also an immediate financial impact. Reuters added that big names like Dyson and Mazda had either frozen their marketing campaigns or removed ads from certain areas on Twitter. More could be coming - Coca-Cola and Disney both said they consider the activity unacceptable, while NBCUniversal asked Twitter to remove ads running against CSAM.
All products recommended by Engadget are selected by our editorial team, independent of our parent company. Some of our stories include affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. All prices correct at time of publication.
Twitter is still struggling to curb the spread of CSAM (child sexual abuse material). Insider has learned (subscription required) that Twitter has inadvertently shown ads on profiles selling or soliciting CSAM. In an email to marketers, the social network said it had suspended all profile ads, updated its detection systems, banned accounts that violated its rules and launched an investigation. Reuters notes that Coca-Cola, Disney and NBCUniversal were among the brands whose ads appeared alongside the offending content.
Existing technology had already blocked more than 91% of accounts like these, Twitter said. In its latest Transparency Report, the company said it took action against 31% more CSAM-linked accounts in the second half of 2021.
A Twitter spokesperson confirmed the incident and investigation in a statement. In addition to existing work to catch CSAM, the company said it is making sure it has the "right models, processes and products" in place to protect both advertisers and users.
The news is untimely for Twitter. This comes just weeks after The Verge reported that Twitter had abandoned efforts to create an OnlyFans clone over concerns it could not effectively detect CSAM and other forms of sexual abuse. . It's also emerging as social media continues to tussle with Elon Musk over the fate of his potentially canceled $44 billion acquisition. Musk focused most of his objections on the alleged misrepresentation of false account data.
There was also an immediate financial impact. Reuters added that big names like Dyson and Mazda had either frozen their marketing campaigns or removed ads from certain areas on Twitter. More could be coming - Coca-Cola and Disney both said they consider the activity unacceptable, while NBCUniversal asked Twitter to remove ads running against CSAM.
All products recommended by Engadget are selected by our editorial team, independent of our parent company. Some of our stories include affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. All prices correct at time of publication.
What's Your Reaction?
