**Meta Under Fire for Using Schoolgirls’ Photos in Targeted Ads**
*By Akash Pandey | Sep 21, 2025, 04:54 pm*
Meta, the parent company of popular social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, is facing backlash over allegations of using back-to-school photos of schoolgirls in targeted advertisements.
### The Controversy
The issue came to light when a 37-year-old man reported seeing ads on his Instagram feed that featured only girls in school uniforms—no boys were included. Speaking to *The Guardian*, he expressed concern about the ads, saying they gave off “an aspect of sexualization.”
The advertisements, urging him to “get Threads,” were integrated into his Instagram feed as “suggested threads” posts. These ads included images of girls as young as 13, some with their faces visible and names attached. Many of these photos had originally been shared by parents celebrating their children’s return to school.
### Parental Concerns
Parents whose children’s images appeared in the ads were reportedly unaware that Meta’s settings permitted such use. One mother revealed that her private Instagram account was automatically cross-posting content to Threads, making the posts publicly visible.
The man who received these ads described them as “deliberately provocative and ultimately exploitative of the children and families involved.” Parents expressed outrage over the unauthorized use of their children’s photos for promotional advertising. One father called the practice “absolutely outrageous,” while a mother insisted she would never have consented to such use.
### Meta’s Response
In defense, Meta stated that the images did not violate its policies. The company claims it recommends people visit Threads by showcasing publicly shared photos that comply with its community standards and recommendation guidelines.
Meta further clarified that its systems do not recommend Threads posts made by teenagers; the photos featured were shared from adult accounts set to public viewing. According to a Meta spokesperson, “The images shared do not violate our policies and are back-to-school photos posted publicly by parents.”
### Ethical Debate and Call for Regulation
This controversy has sparked a broader debate regarding Meta’s practices and the ethics of using children’s images in advertising. Children’s rights campaigner Beeban Kidron denounced the move as “a new low even for Meta.” She called on regulators to ensure that companies cannot exploit sexualized images of children as bait for unknown individuals.
The incident underscores the urgent need for stricter guidelines and greater transparency in social media advertising, especially when it involves minors.
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*This story highlights the importance of vigilance and accountability in digital advertising practices concerning children’s privacy and protection.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/meta-used-photos-of-schoolgirls-in-ads-targeted-at-man/story