Recent revelations have shed light on the extent to which Meta, the parent company of Facebook, profits from scams. Internal estimates suggest that as much as 10% of Meta’s revenue could be derived from such illicit activities, with Facebook implicated in one-third of all scams. The revenue generated from scam ads alone could range from $7 billion to a staggering $16 billion, according to different analyses. These findings have raised serious concerns among officials, with Malaysian Communications Minister Fahmi describing the situation as ‘very worrying’.
Report Origins and Methodology
The report, which was released on November 6, 2025, is based on internal Meta documents. These documents reveal that Meta estimates that scams contribute to 10% of its revenue. The report also highlights the role of Facebook in these scams, suggesting that the social media giant is involved in one-third of all scams, thereby contributing to the 10% revenue figure. The revenue generated from scam ads alone is estimated to be as high as $16 billion, according to the internal files reviewed.
Facebook’s Role in Scam Ecosystem
Facebook’s structure and reach have made it a fertile ground for scam operations. The platform’s involvement in one-third of all scams, as revealed by the investigative reporting, is a testament to this fact. Scam ads on Facebook are a primary vector for these operations, contributing significantly to Meta’s overall revenue.
Internal Revenue Estimates from Scams
Meta’s internal estimates, as per the files accessed on November 6, 2025, suggest that scams contribute to 10% of its total revenue. This figure is corroborated by a report that estimates Meta’s revenue from scam ads to be around $7 billion. However, broader internal projections suggest that this figure could be as high as $16 billion annually.
Discrepancies in Scam Revenue Figures
There are discrepancies in the estimated revenue figures from scam ads. While one analysis pegs the figure at $7 billion, separate internal files suggest that the revenue could be as high as $16 billion. These discrepancies highlight the variance in estimates and the complexity of the issue. The 10% revenue figure from scams encompasses both direct ad earnings and broader platform facilitation, further complicating the calculations.
Official Reactions to Meta’s Scam Profits
These revelations have elicited reactions from officials across the globe. Malaysian Communications Minister Fahmi, for instance, has expressed serious concerns over Meta’s alleged profit from scam ads. On November 7, 2025, he described the situation as ‘very worrying’. Fahmi’s comments underscore the ethical implications of Meta deriving 10% of its revenue from scams. His reaction emphasizes the need for regulatory scrutiny on platforms like Facebook, which are involved in a significant proportion of all scams, as reported by Free Malaysia Today.
Implications and Future Outlook
The implications of these revelations are far-reaching. They raise serious questions about the ethical practices of tech giants like Meta and the extent to which they profit from illicit activities. The discrepancies in the estimated revenue figures also highlight the need for greater transparency in the operations of these companies. As the world grapples with the challenges posed by the digital age, these revelations underscore the urgent need for robust regulatory mechanisms to curb such practices and ensure the ethical conduct of tech companies.
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