Leaked Documents Reveal 10% of Meta’s Revenue Linked to Scam Ads

Internal documents obtained by Reuters indicate that Meta (META) generated approximately $16 billion in 2024 from advertisements promoting scams or prohibited products. This figure represents roughly 10% of the company's total revenue. The ads, displayed across platforms like Facebook and Instagram, included fraudulent e-commerce schemes, illegal gambling operations, and banned medical products.

Meta conducted an internal review to assess the prevalence of such content within its ad ecosystem. Data suggests the company earns $7 billion annually from the most deceptive ad categories, labeled "higher risk," which garner an estimated 15 billion daily views. The findings raise concerns about Meta's reliance on questionable revenue streams and the potential financial impact of stricter enforcement.

While Meta maintains it actively combats fraudulent advertising, a company spokesperson dismissed the 10% estimate as "overly inclusive," claiming many flagged ads didn't violate policies. The leak highlights ongoing challenges in balancing revenue growth with content moderation in digital advertising.