Meta bars political advertisers from using generative AI-based ads tools; here’s why
Meta expressed its rationale for this restriction, stating that advertisers involved in campaigns related to housing, employment, credit, social issues, elections, politics, or financial services would not be allowed to use the generative AI features.
Highlights
- Meta won't allow political advertisers to use generative AI-based solutions
- The action attempts to improve security for sensitive-topic ads
- Meta's new AI technologies enable advertisers to create different variants of ad text with a single command
In a notable move, Meta, the parent company of popular social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, has decided to prohibit political advertisers from utilising its generative AI-based advertising tools. This decision is aimed at enhancing the oversight and security of advertisements related to sensitive subjects.
Why the restriction?
Meta expressed its rationale for this restriction, stating that advertisers involved in campaigns related to housing, employment, credit, social issues, elections, politics, health, pharmaceuticals, or financial services would not be allowed to use the generative AI features.
This decision is part of their strategy to better comprehend potential risks associated with Generative AI in advertisements connected to regulated industries.
Meta’s generative AI portfolio
Just last month, Meta launched a range of generative AI-based tools for advertisers, intending to boost productivity, personalisation, and performance for all advertisers. These new AI tools enable advertisers to create image backgrounds, adjust image sizes, and produce various versions of ad text with a single prompt.
Response to the changing landscape
The decision by Meta follows concerns raised by Sir Nick Clegg, former UK Deputy Prime Minister and President of Global Affairs at Facebook, who emphasised the necessity of updating rules regarding the use of generative AI in political advertising.
In a changing technological landscape, concerns have been voiced about the potential use of AI to interfere in upcoming elections, including those in 2024 in countries like the US, UK, and India.
Meta's decision to restrict political advertisers from using generative AI-based ads underscores the company's efforts to address evolving concerns related to sensitive topics and safeguard the advertising environment on its platforms.
