Twitter continues to have problems with the spread of CSAM (“Child Sexual Abuse Materials”). As Insider has learned (subscription required), Twitter inadvertently placed ads on profiles selling or offering CSAM.
In an email to marketers, the social network said it had suspended all ads on the profiles, updated its detection systems, banned accounts that violated the rules, and launched an investigation. Reuters reports that Coca-Cola, Disney, and NBCUniversal were among the brands whose ads appeared alongside the offending content.
Twitter claims that existing technology has blocked more than 91 percent of such accounts. In its latest transparency report, the company said it took action against 31 percent more CSAM-related accounts in the second half of 2021.
In a statement, a Twitter spokesperson confirmed the incident and the investigation. The company also said that it ensures that it has the “right models, processes and products” to protect advertisers and users.
This news is untimely for Twitter. It comes just weeks after The Verge reported that Twitter had given up trying to create a clone of OnlyFans because of concerns that it would be unable to catch CSAM and other forms of sexual assault effectively. It also comes as the social network continues to argue with Elon Musk over the fate of its potentially canceled $44 billion acquisition.
