Meta bars political advertisers from using generative AI ad tools

Meta is prohibiting political advertisers from using its new generative AI advertising tools, which can help brands create text, backgrounds and other marketing content. The company said the policy is intended to limit potential risks as it assesses how the technology should be used in sensitive areas.

The restrictions apply to campaigns related to elections, politics and social issues. They also cover ads for Housing, Employment or Credit, along with campaigns tied to Health, Pharmaceuticals or Financial Services, according to a public note on the affected AI feature pages.

The tools include features that can propose changes to advertiser-uploaded content, suggest music, apply 3D animations to images, create product backgrounds and edit marketing copy. The move comes as policymakers and civil society groups warn that AI-generated content could mislead voters, including through deepfakes in political advertising.