Facebook spam bots randomly tagging users on breastfeeding photos and videos

Update (May 15, 2024): In a statement to FastCompany, Facebook has acknowledged the issue. Following is what a Facebook sposkesperson said:

Unfortunately, spam is an industry-wide concern, and since this is an adversarial space, spammers continue to evolve their methods and shift tactics to avoid detection. We’re aware of this issue and want our users to have a positive experience on our platforms, which is why we’re working to address it.

Original story (from May 6, 2024) follows:

Facebook is a cornerstone for connectivity, but its allure dims when users find themselves caught in a whirlwind of unwanted tagging. Across the platform, a peculiar trend has emerged where Facebook spam bots are randomly tagging users in breastfeeding photos and videos against their will. Despite efforts to curtail the intrusion, the problem persists, leaving users frustrated and seeking solutions.

For many, the issue begins innocuously — an unexpected notification, a tag in a post that feels out of place. Facebook accounts that have been shielded from public view using the necessary privacy settings suddenly become embroiled in a deluge of tags linking to breastfeeding photos and videos. The perplexity deepens when users realize these tags are not random acts but orchestrated by seemingly coordinated accounts with dubious intentions.

Accounts with names structured as a noun, verb or some random numbers with an “OK” at the end flood notifications with tags, leaving users feeling violated and frustrated. The content of these posts ranges from benign to downright disturbing, with some veering into the realm of explicit material. Despite maintaining stringent privacy settings and refraining from engaging with related content, users find themselves inundated with unwanted tags, tarnishing their Facebook experience. Below is a sample image of what’s happening on Facebook:

Notably, the bot farms appear to be targeting users primarily in the US and in some European countries. Diving into Reddit and posts on X suggests that most users who’re reporting the problem are based in the US or countries such as Poland and France. At the moment, it’s unclear why these bots are targeting only certain users.

Potential workarounds and solutions for Facebook breastfeeding tags

In response to this invasive tagging, users have been attempting various strategies to mitigate the issue. From diligently untagging themselves and reporting posts as spam to adjusting privacy settings and seeking support from Facebook, affected individuals have explored multiple avenues in search of relief. While there has been relative success with some of them, not everyone might be lucky. Still, it’s worth trying.

1. Uninstalling the Facebook app

Some users, driven to their wit’s end, have resolved to uninstall the Facebook app as a means of reprieve. However, this drastic measure may prove futile, as the tagging persists even in the absence of the app. This means your Facebook friends will still see what you got tagged on. The only way out is to deactivate your account first before uninstalling the app.

2. Change your privacy settings

Other Facebook users have turned to privacy settings as a bastion against unwanted tagging on breastfeeding images and videos. By adjusting tag settings to allow only friends to tag or enabling tag review before posts go live, you can fortify your digital boundaries. However, the relentless onslaught of tags even after tweaking privacy settings reveals the limitations of these measures, highlighting the need for more robust solutions.

3. Reporting and blocking

In a bid to combat the influx of unwanted tags, some users have resorted to reporting and blocking offending accounts systematically. Unfortunately, these efforts often feel like a futile game of whack-a-mole since new accounts keep sprouting up as fast as they are thwarted. The repetitive nature of this cycle underscores the inadequacy of reactive approaches in addressing the root cause of the issue.

4. Filtering the word “OK”

Given the fact that most people are being tagged in explicit posts by accounts that have the word ‘OK’ in their names, one user suggested a cleaver hack to prevent such accounts from tagging you. They claim filtering (blocking) the word “OK” stopped them from getting tagged by bots. To do that, head over to Facebook settings > Followers and public content > Scroll to the bottom > Enter ‘OK’ and click ‘Save’.

Practical steps for affected users

Users facing unwanted tagging can take several steps to manage the situation. First, adjust privacy settings by restricting who can tag you and enabling tag review. To do this, go to “Settings > Profile and Tagging” to modify tag settings.

Next, utilize content filtering tools to limit exposure to sensitive content by heading to the “Settings > News Feed” section. This should help you mitigate the likelihood of encountering unwanted posts. Additionally, report and block offending accounts, acknowledging the possibility of encountering similar issues in the future. Finally, while obtaining prompt assistance might be challenging, persistently escalate the issue with tagging on breastfeeding content to Facebook support, emphasizing its ongoing nature and negative impact.

The saga of unwanted tagging on Facebook shows the challenges of privacy and security on social media. As affected users band together in solidarity, sharing experiences and workarounds, there arises a collective call for action from the platform itself. Facebook must heed the voices of its community and implement robust measures to thwart malicious tagging and preserve the integrity of user experience.

At the moment, Facebook isn’t even blocking reported accounts, as their automated process tells users that the account hasn’t violated the platform’s guidelines. Some users, on the other hand, have shared they are getting errors while reporting the matter to Facebook. This has sparked even more frustration amongst users.

I’ve blocked and reported each time. I don’t understand why Facebook keeps saying the content doesn’t go against its Community Standards. Im very relieved I’m not the only one experiencing this. (Source)

Meanwhile, other news outlets have now also started highlighting the issue, so it’s easy to presume that Facebook will take action on this matter sooner than later.

Meta is also battling similar issues with AI-generated pornographic content that has been doing rounds on both Facebook and Instagram. Hopefully, this and the issue with tagging on breastfeeding images and videos will be addressed sooner than later. In the meantime, you can dive into Facebook’s guidelines on tagging and how it works by heading here.

Featured image: Facebook