Facebook owner Meta accused of letting AI sellers ‘run rampant’

Facebook owner Meta has been accused of allowing misleading companies to operate “rampantly” on its platforms, as dozens of people said they fell victim to sellers using AI-generated advertising.

More than 60 people contacted the BBC after we revealed that unscrupulous foreign companies were using fake images and background stories to pose as family-run British businesses to lure buyers.

Some said they had been targeted by ads on Facebook and Instagram, and consumer guide Which? said that companies were using the platforms to “spread their lies farthest and farther.”

Meta said it had removed content from six companies reported by the BBC that said it was based in England but shipped cheap goods from Asia.

The tech giant said it did not allow any fraudulent activity and worked closely with Stop Scams UK to protect users.

A company…